The illicit drug market in Ireland

The illicit drug market can be understood as incorporating three interrelated levels or dimensions. The global or international market incorporates drug production and international trafficking; the middle market involves the importation and distribution of drugs at a national level; and the local market involves distribution at a retail level. Understanding the scale, nature and dynamics of the drug market is a critical requirement for effective policy-making and action. It is important to understand the global interconnectedness of the drug market as this has implications for international relations. Also, by mapping out middle market levels, research studies have investigated how drugs are moved from importation to street level, by whom and for what profit. In doing so, such studies have identified more efficient ways in which drug supply can be disrupted. With regard to the local market, low-level distribution networks are the principal means by which drugs become available in a neighbourhood. The ease of access to drugs is regarded as an important determinant of experimental drug use among adolescents. Consequently, there is a need to identify and disrupt local drug sources and supply routes. Local drug markets can also instil fear and insecurity in local communities. Knowledge of these networks, their dynamics and their impact is an important prerequisite for effective interventions, such as local policing, harm reduction or housing initiatives. Information and research on the illicit drugs market in Ireland is extremely limited. The purpose of this Overview is to compile and analyse existing data sources and available research, to identify gaps in knowledge and to inform future research needs in this important area of drug policy.