Cocaine traces in 90pc of clubs and pubs
Scenes from the 'Prime Time' show to be aired tonight on RTE, show people buying and taking the Class A drug at various pubs and clubs
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Monday December 10 2007
An RTE 'Prime Time' investigation has confirmed the widespread use of cocaine throughout the country, with traces of the Class A drug found in over 90pc of toilets tested in clubs, pubs, and workplaces.
Swabs were taken from nearly 300 bathrooms, in pubs, clubs, workplaces and other venues as part of the investigation. Nine out of 10 of the samples proved positive for the drug.
The results are to be published after a week in which cocaine was linked to the cases of several young lives that were cut short. These included the death of young Waterford man John Grey (23), who lost his 14-day battle for life after eating damp cocaine. His death came just four days after his 21-year-old friend, Kevin Doyle, died.
Traces of cocaine were also found during medical tests in the blood of model Katy French, whose life-support machine was also turned off this week.
RTE's 'Prime Time' will tonight air its investigative probe into the dangerous creep of cocaine through small villages, towns and cities and its links to criminal activity.
Dr John Fox, head of forensic science at the Dublin Institute of Technology, who analysed the tests, used the same techniques forensic scientists would apply for a court case.
The National Advisory Committee on Drug's (NACD's), Des Corrigan, said he was surprised that anyone would be amazed that people were dying from cocaine use.
Consultant John Ryan at St Vincent's Hospital said the results of cocaine use would be seen on a daily basis in the hospital, with some people suffering heart attacks, strokes, haemorrhages or dying from the drug.
