A SHORTAGE of heroin in Dublin has sent prices to three and four times their normal levels. Small packets of the drug, usually containing about a quarter gramme, fetch up to £40 compared to as little as £7 a month ago.
The drought appears due to increased activity by gardai and community activists, with the illegal trade being disrupted at both the wholesale and retail ends of the market.
A number of significant heroin seizures by gardai in the city, in recent weeks has left heroin importers in short supply, while established selling patterns and locations, in housing estates and flat complexes, have been broken up by continuing patrols by community activists. Cannabis has also been more difficult to buy.
From about the middle of last year, the price of heroin began falling gradually, from £20 or £25 a quarter gramme to about £15 by the start of this year. By April a single "deal" - enough to provide one "hit" for an addict - was available for £10 or less in some parts of the city. About three weeks ago, however, prices suddenly rose to £30-£40 and, according to reports some dealers are asking for as much as £60.
There has been speculation that drug gangs have been withholding their stock in an attempt to drive up prices, but Garda sources said a straightforward shortage of supply was the most likely reason for the price increase, as it was unlikely that any cartel would be disciplined enough to sustain withholding the drug for long.
"The drought in the market is a result of the efforts of the community and gardai combined," the outgoing Dublin Independent TD, Mr Tony Gregory, said yesterday.
The shortage has led increasing numbers of heroin addicts to concentrate in the city centre and particularly around O'Connell Street, where occasional dealing has been visible in recent weeks. According to a local Garda source, there can be as many as 40 addicts on and around the street at any one time.
The Merchant's Quay drug project in Dublin says that there has been an increase in homelessness among addicts, who have been driven from their flats and housing estates by anti drug activity in their communities.