Waterford makes the top ten list for drugs convictions last year
Waterford District Courts saw a 17% rise in drug convictions last year
Waterford District Courts saw a 17% rise in drug convictions last year.
That is according to figures released by the courts service to Ireland South East MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.
Waterford District Courts saw a 17% increase and had the ninth-highest number of convictions for drug offences in 2025.
One-hundred and sixty people were convicted of drug-related offences in Waterford, an increase of 17% on 2024.
Almost all of those convictions listed were for possession of drugs and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Possession, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, accounted for 110 convictions, up from 93 in 2024.
Intention to sell or supply drugs contrary to Section 15 of the act accounted for 42 in 2025, up slightly from 40 in 2024.
A further eight convictions for obstruction were recorded, which doubled the 2024 number.
Ms Ní Mhurchú, a former barrister, said the disparity in drug convictions across District Court offices warrants investigation.
She added that drugs in the community are a major concern raised by parents, community leaders, pub owners, and gardaí.
Ms Ní Mhurchú called for the swift implementation of the government’s National Drugs Strategy, 2026- 2029 and a raft of community-based sanctions against those convicted of recreational drug use, higher fines for casual drug use, more detox beds for those with addiction issues, restorative justice programmes and publicity campaigns to tackle social drug use.
