Fine Gael Waterford Senator Paudie Coffey has praised the success of the drug seizure reported off Castletownbere but warned that as operations are being stymied along the Cork coast, smugglers may turn their attention to Waterford.

"The drugs haul at the weekend was an impressive demonstration of the effectiveness of combined operations by our national law enforcement agencies and shows what can be achieved by international co-operation against drug trafficking. With busy sea lanes off Ireland's south coast, they may seek out isolated parts of the county Waterford coast for new routes into our country. I have campaigned long and hard against anti-social behaviour, especially in Waterford City, and am well aware of the how the drug menace affects us all. Both the Customs Service and the Gardaí maintain free phone lines for people to report suspicious activities. By taking an active role, noting the numbers and calling the authorities if you see anything unusual or suspicious, we can help keep drugs off our streets."

* The Customs Drugs phone number is 1800 29 52 65.
** The Garda Confidential line is 1800 666 111.