The quantity of amphetamines seized by gardaí has increased by 1,493 per cent in the past four years, while cocaine seizures rose by 829 per cent.
Cannabis resin usage also rose dramatically, with seizures up by 750 per cent between 2000, when 379.8kg were discovered, and 2004, when 3,226.4kg were seized by gardaí.
In comparison, the amount of heroin uncovered increased by 10 per cent, from 23.9kg in 2000 to 26.4 kg in 2004, reflecting the move from heroin to drugs such as cocaine.
According to the figures, released by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, the quantity of amphetamines seized in 2000 was 5.8kg, while 92.4kg were seized last year. Gardaí seized 1,098,322 ecstasy tablets and capsules last year, up by 97 per cent on the figure for 2000.
Mr McDowell told Meath TD Damien English (FG) in a Dáil reply that the national drugs strategy specified a number of "supply reduction targets" for gardaí. They had achieved "considerable success".
