There was a rise in drug related crime in Kerry during 2025 compared to the previous year.
That’s according to figures released to Radio Kerry by the Regional Chief Superintendent for the Southern Garda Region, Colm O’Sullivan.
It shows there has been a jump of over a quarter in arrests in the county for possession of drugs for sale or supply.
Over €220,000 worth of drugs has been seized in Kerry throughout 2025, as of December 15th.
This includes the seizure of a large quantity of cannabis and cocaine in Listowel in June, worth over €170,000.
A man in his 20s was arrested and charged in relation to the haul, which was conducted as part of Operation Tara.
The figures show Gardaí in the county made more than 320 detections for possession of drugs for personal usein 2025, a jump of 10% compared to 2024.
There was a 26% rise in the number of arrests for possession of drugs for sale or supply in Kerry, at 87.
Regional Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan believes the term “recreational drug use” is ill fitting, as this is drug use and drug abuse.
Chief Superintendent O’Sullivan says drugs knows no bounds:
