GARDAI and drug service workers are concerned that “crystal meth” or methamphetamines may start to flood Limerick, fuelling violence, after an amount of suspected meth was discovered in a planned Garda raid targeting the operations of a drugs gang in the city, yesterday (Thursday).
Garda sources said if the drugs are proven to be crystal meth, the dreaded drug’s street name, it is a “significant development”.
Sources said the drug fuels anger in persons already addicted to other insidious narcotics such as crack cocaine, heroin, alcohol and tablets. Limerick has been flooded with crack cocaine in the past two years.
“If the analysis shows it is what gardai suspect it is, it is a significant development,” a source said.
“It has never taken off here but meth is a much worse animal than what gardai have seen previously. This stuff drives addicts nuts, they get very violent on it.”
The source warned: “The worrying thing is that the premises supplying most of the crack cocaine and heroin addicts have the capability of switching these vulnerable people to meth.”
“The usual trick to get them hooked is to give it away for nothing at first,” they said.
Those with an in-depth knowledge of the drugs trade here said that once persons are addicted to crystal meth they want more and more of the drug and will stop at nothing, including violence, and thievery, to get their drug fix.
Crystal meth is often colourless and odourless, and, due to its synthetic construction, it is highly addictive with potent stimulative effects. Users who smoke or inject it can often experience significant highs lasting for up to between six to eight hours.
The drug carries significant health risks, besides toxic overdose, that include aggression and violence, heart-attack, stroke, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia.
Gardai said €5,700 worth of suspected methamphetamine and heroin was seized in a planned search operation Thursday.
Gardai also seized a small amount of cash, as well as a number of dogs and dirt bikes.
Sources said the searches were targeted at interrupting the activities of a drug gang based in St Mary’s Park estate.
Thursday’s Garda operation was led by the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit, assisted by the Armed Support Unit, Henry Street Community Policing and other Garda members.
“Gardai conducted a search operation on Thursday 18th September 2025 as part of ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of controlled drugs in Limerick,” a Garda spokesman said.
“A number of domestic residences were searched resulting in the seizure of approximately €5700 worth of suspect methamphetamine, a small quantity of suspect heroin and other drug paraphernalia.”
“A quantity of cash and a number of vehicles were also seized, along with two dogs.”
The suspected drugs are be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.
“Investigations are ongoing,” Gardai added.
