A “Scene of Crime” detective and fellow Garda remove evidence from the house in Ballybeg Square in which the infamous 21st birthday party took place last Saturday night/Sunday morning.
However, investigating Gardaí are examining the possibility that a third unspecified and possibly contaminated drug taken on the night has left them fighting for their lives.
National Drug Unit personnel and members of the Force from neighbouring districts are assisting Waterford Gardaí in their intensive investigations.
Since the horrific events of the weekend, reports have been circulating that well-known dealers have long been plying their trade openly in Ballybeg and other parts of the city.
They look certain to be targeted by the Gardaí, who were already believed to have been on their trail, having conducted major house searches in recent weeks.
Anthony Connolly (25), with an address at Priory Lawn, Ballybeg, was brought before Waterford District Court on Wednesday in connection with the incident to face four charges, including possession of cocaine.
Superintendent Dave Sheahan of Waterford Garda Station, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that an undisclosed quantity of drugs was recovered by officers from the house in Ballybeg Square.
Preliminary results from a Garda toxicology analysis of the cocaine seized from the house revealed that it contained no toxic substances.
While initial results from the Garda analysis suggest that no other substance of note was detected in the analysed cocaine, the possibility of another drug having been consumed by persons at the party remains.
“Controlled drugs are controlled drugs for a reason,” said Supt Sheahan.
“I can’t emphasise enough the serious health risk people are putting themselves in by taking these substances. People don’t know what they have been mixed with and therefore don’t know what they’re taking.”
Meanwhile, the Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy has spoken of the Government’s concern for the families and community affected by Saturday night’s events at Ballybeg Square.
“I was obviously very, very saddened, very concerned for the families,” said Minister of State Pat Carey, who opened a new community youth facility at Farronshoneen on Tuesday.
“It’s a very difficult time for them. It’s a very difficult time for the Ballybeg community. They will have the support that, I suppose, communities need in this particular time.
“But I would say this to everybody and especially to parents and friends of people who might be even experimenting with drugs.
“You’re talking about something that is lethal and even experimentation is very, very dangerous. So to parents who notice anything unusual about the behaviour of their children, don’t be afraid to confront them in the first instance – don’t be afraid to talk to them.”
The Minister continued: “There is a very tiny minority of habitual users of drugs in the country still, thankfully. A lot of young people – I’m not saying people (don’t) try it out once or twice (but) the dangers of even trying drugs is obvious. They’re classified drugs for a very good reason.
“I was reading a report the other day and some of the cocaine that’s been available in Ireland has a purity that’s as low as seven per cent. God only knows what the other ninety three per cent could consist of. They should avoid that at all costs.”
* With additional reporting by Tom Young
