Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements and procedures for the secure and controlled destruction of the quantities of illegal drugs that are seized by Garda and Customs officials throughout the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4550/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that drugs coming into their possession in the course of investigations are destroyed upon the determination of court proceedings. Drugs classified as controlled in the Schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act (1987-1984) which are seized by members of An Garda Síochána are destroyed under the supervision of a Detective Inspector from the Garda Technical Bureau following analysis, evidential requirements and the written authorisation of a member of An Garda Síochána, not below the rank of Inspector, from the Garda District where the drugs originated.

The Garda Technical Bureau also facilitates destruction of controlled drugs which have been received at the Bureau from Customs Officials under the supervision of a Garda Inspector and with written authorisation from an appropriate Customs Officer. Each operation is documented and all associated records are maintained by the Garda Technical Bureau. For security reasons, I cannot divulge further details of the disposal logistics.