There are just four Garda in the Clare Division who work full time in the county’s Drugs Unit.
The number is one of the lowest of any county in Ireland, and stands at its lowest level in recent years, in spite of recent concerns about the impact of drugs use in different parts of Clare.
Figures released to the Dáil by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan show that as recently as 2011, there were 9 members of the Drugs Unit of the Clare Garda Division.
Now, that number stands at four.
While this is the same as four other areas, only Roscommon/Longford and Wicklow have fewer.
This is despite local concerns regarding drugs in recent months, particularly in the North and West Clare areas.
The reduction in the numbers of personnel involved in drugs units is being experienced nationally.
Ten years ago there were 341 such officers – now there are just 230.
The policing of drugs nationally is led by the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, aided by the likes of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
