A GARDA inspector urged 790 people at a public meeting in Cabra last night to co operate with the force's new anti drugs initiative, Operation Dochas.
Insp Eddie Quirke, from Cabra, said £1.5 million worth of drugs had been found in the Cabra district over the past six months. The finds had reduced the supplies in the area and hopefully saved lives, he said.
"My invitation to you and to the other people is from now on if you continue to give us the information we will be working on it. At the same time, I haven't a magic wand. It takes time, it takes effort, but we are committed to it and we can't do it alone."
The meeting, in St Finbar's GAA hall, was organised by the local anti drugs committee. It was so full that about 100 people had to stand outside the hall.
One woman told the meeting that she had given the names of 10 alleged drug pushers to the Garda 11 years ago and nothing had been done about it. "The addicts are dead and the pushers are bigger", she said.
Mr Nicky Keogh, a member of the local residents committee, complained that three unmarked Garda cars had been at last week's anti drugs meeting. "We want the co operation of the guards. We don't want the harassment of the guards", he said.
Local Independent TD Mr Tony Gregory said that people were entitled to march because the futures of their children were at stake.
The committee announced that a PO box was being set up so that, information about addicts could be circulated. This would enable members to assist addicts in receiving treatment.