Organised drug gangs, headed by major players who take "a hands-off approach", are operating in most Co Kerry towns, a senior garda said yesterday.
The chief superintendent of the Kerry Garda division, Mr Willie Keane, told local councillors that towns such as Castleisland, Killorglin and Listowel, as well as the larger towns of Killarney and Tralee, have drug gangs and gang leaders.
He said when convictions of gang leaders were obtained, "the vacuum is quickly filled". Upon release, those convicted quickly returned to crime because of the large profits involved.
He added that it took time to build up a case and get the proof required against drugs dealers because the major players operated a hands-off policy.
No village in Kerry was untouched in some way. The county had a "vast" coastline, and the gateways of most drugs supplied to the county were Limerick and Cork.
He said Kerry's statistics on drug finds, type and convictions were on a par with national figures.
Over one search a day was being carried out for drugs in the county. Some 52 dealers were prosecuted in 2003, and drugs to the value of almost €331,000 seized. He said cannabis resin was the most popular drug in Kerry, and cocaine use was on a par with national figures.
He urged parents and public representatives to be aware of "the non-prosecution route" available to persons under 18.
He added that alcohol abuse still presented one of the greatest challenges for the Garda in Kerry. He urged parents to take control, particularly of teenagers.