Irish MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú argues the figures are only the tip of the iceberg, warning they point to a broader rise in drug use in Ireland that must be confronted head-on.

Aaron Holt, 27, described as “front and centre” of Edenderry drugs pecking order amid safety fears if released

Hopkins, who admitted distributing drugs and laundering money on behalf of unidentified criminals, appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Colin Daly.

Figures show burglaries increased by 10 per cent last year, rising by 878 to 9,981

Detectives said they seized cannabis with an estimated street value of around £200,000 (€241,455) in Ballygawley on Tuesday