The recent drug-related deaths could serve to deglamourise cocaine among those who use it, a Minister of State said yesterday.
Pat Carey, Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, said he hoped the recent deaths would alert people to "the dangers of drugs".
"I think if there is anything to be learned from this is that people who have a complacent attitude towards cocaine will realise it is a very lethal substance which should be avoided at all costs."
Mr Carey also said gardaí would be targeting pubs and clubs where they believe cocaine is being consumed in the run-up to Christmas, and that the National Drugs Strategy would be attempting to reach out and educate people about the danger of the drug.
"Locally-designed information scheme are proving to be very effective . . . We will also be using Bebo and Facebook to try and get the message through to people in the 18 to 35-year-old age group."
Mr Carey was speaking at the launch of the Tolka River Drug Rehabilitation Plan. The plan aims to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to those recovering from the effects of drug abuse in the greater Blanchardstown area.
A new "Tolka River Project"treatment and development centre has been opened, and the group hopes to reintegrate former drug users into society through counselling and a range of training and educational opportunities.
Chairman of the project David Hughes said weekend newspaper reports suggested "drug abuse is something that happens at champagne parties". The people involved in the Tolka project were not at those parties, and have "never lived that kind of lifestyle".
"Drug abuse is a much more serious issue than what is currently being portrayed in the media, albeit that what has recently happened itself is a serious problem."
Mr Carey said he was hopeful that the extra funding granted to his department in last week's Budget would see similar projects, "to help drug misusers return to normal life", rolled out across the country.
