The Garda unit tasked with fighting the scourge of drugs across Co Donegal is to be downgraded.
Leading anti-drugs campaigner and Peace Commissioner PJ Blake says he has information to suggest the number of Gardai operating the unit is to be slashed.
The former Letterkenny Town Councillor has slammed the move saying it will only encourage the spread of drugs.
In recent months there has been significant finds of cannabis, cocaine and heroin across Donegal.
Mr Blake said he has been told directly that Gardai are to be taken from the drugs unit and put back into uniform because of a lack of everyday Garda manpower.
“That is what we are dealing with and we simply cannot allow it to happen.
“Officers in the drugs squad in Co Donegal have had success after success against the spread of drugs in our county through months of surveillance work.
“And now with the stroke of a pen all that hard work is to be undone because of budget cuts.
“There has already been 16 confirmed deaths related to rugs in our county – that is 16 deaths too many.
“All we are doing by cutting down on the numbers of Gardai in the drug units here is signing another young person’s death warrant.
“I would appeal to the powers-that-be to reconsider this move,” he said.
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