How the United States became a major supplier of Weed to Ireland
Irish gangs are sourcing cannabis from American suppliers after its legalisation in 24 states.
Drug trafficking is rapidly evolving in terms of both smuggling methods and money-laundering
America has become a significant source of cannabis being smuggled into Ireland following the legalisation of its use for recreational purposes in some states.
Seizures of cannabis herb and resin originating in the United States have soared by more than 700 per cent since 2020. Irish customs officers confiscated 96kg of the drug, worth a combined €1.9 million in 448 seizures in 2020 but intercepted 834kg worth €16.6 million in 693 seizures last year, suggesting criminals were trying to import bigger quantities sourced from American suppliers.
The increase is being attributed to the legalisation of cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes in 24 American states, although the drug is still classified as an illegal “schedule 1” drug by the federal government.
