COCAINE and by-products of Class A drugs have been found “quite strongly” in Lough Erne and other lakes in the North.
The concerning news was revealed on ‘The State of Us’ podcast on BBC NI, with scientists carrying out almost 140 different water samples from various waterways across the North.
Conducted by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, in collaboration with Imperial College London, the findings suggested the presence of the substances in raw water in the lakes and rivers.
As well as cocaine, a number of other substances including ketamine, amphetamine, painkillers and antidepressants were reportedly found in the water samples.
“One of the interesting things is actually the fact that it was showing up quite strongly in places like Lough Erne, which is maybe because it’s a recreation hotspot,” Dr Billy Hunter told ‘The State of Us’.
The ‘Herald previously revealed the extent of the worrying drug epidemic in Fermanagh, with many local publicans and hospitality owners taking major steps to protect their customers.
A senior member of the Criminal Justice Setting in Fermanagh explained that “a high percentage of people who commit crimes” in the county are linked to drugs.
“There’s a lot more cocaine use now in Enniskillen. In years gone by, it might have been cannabis but cocaine seems to be really, really common now,” they explained.
“There is a high percentage of people who commit crimes locally which is linked to drugs.
“The lack of employment and the lack of suitable housing are all factors and then drink and drugs come along and people sometimes get involved,” said a senior Criminal Justice Setting official.
“If you’re arrested and you’re in the possession of drugs, or you’re linked to a crime to fund drug use, this can impact on whether you get employment. It’s like a vicious circle, really.”
