THE Customs Service's efforts to combat drug trafficking are more effective than the operations mounted by gardai, according to a trade union leader representing Customs officials.
However, Mr Michael Dillon, of the Customs and Excise group in the Public Service Executive Union, said the efforts of the Customs had been characterised by "an appalling lack of policy, direction and co ordination".
Mr Dillon was speaking at the group's annual conference in Lucan, Co Dublin.
"While the gardai would like to catch the drug barons red handed, the Customs seek to keep the dreaded drugs out, by seizing where possible on arrival" said Mr Dillon.
"I would like to focus on these two approaches. The Garda Drug Squad has been in existence for many years now. They have had considerable success and are to be congratulated. One must assume they they have had the goal of bringing the drug barons to justice in this time, so the question must be asked how many drug barons are in prison? How many, if any, of these drug barons have not been replaced by their lieutenants, or some other ruthless crime boss, thereby allowing the deadly trade to continue?
"The Customs National Drugs Team has been in place now for three full years. With its inadequate staff complement, and an appalling lack of policy, direction and co ordination, they have proven a great success. Every gram me of heroin, every ounce of cocaine, every lb of marijuana they have seized has reduced the chances of some of our young people falling into the clutches of the drug barons.
Aer Lingus, Irish Ferries and five Customs officers were presented with awards by the Revenue Commissioners yesterday in recognition of their work on behalf of the Customs Service. At a ceremony in Dublin Castle, Revenue Commissioner Mr Dermot Quigley said Customs played an important part in world trade.
"Customs is also concerned with the movement of people and, in close co operation with the gardai, with the protection of society against the evils of drugs and other dangerous substances," he said.