There have been no incidents of spiking or young people being assaulted with needles on nights out in County Leitrim according to local Gardai.
Superintendent Chris Grogan told today's meeting of Leitrim's JPC that the issue is "not the problem it's perceived to be by some".
The last meeting of the Leitrim Joint Policing Committee for 2021 took place this morning remotely and heard that a total of 161 Covid fines have been issued so far this year for breaches of the emergency legislation in relation to movements of persons and events.
Leitrim TD Martin Kenny also asked Superintendent Chris Grogan about incidences of needle spiking, which he claimed had caused significant concern among young people.
The Superintendent explained that Gardai enjoy a good rapport with local nightclub staff in the county and if something had occurred they would be aware of any incidents.
He also confirmed that if anything was reported it would be fully investigated to the 'nth degree' and that if he receives a report of an incident in the Leitrim district, he will not stand for it.
He also claimed that there was a certain level of 'scaremongering' attached to the idea of spiking and it is "not the problem it's perceived to be by some".
He told the JPC that from what he has seen and heard as well as figures reported to Gardaí, it is not a concern at the moment but Gardai are maintaining a watching brief and officers are focused on it if anything 'ramps up'.
