- Home >
- Crime >
- World Crime
Episode 247: The real-life stories behind Ireland's 'Narco' boom
As street dealers became millionaires during five decades of drug abuse, what happened to those caught up in the party?
Some of the cocaine discovered by police
DUBLIN was a city of grinding poverty, mass unemployment and a never-ending queue of young people seeking a future abroad when the heroin epidemic hit with catastrophic force.
Later, as the city transformed in the 1990s into a vibrant capital, ecstasy took over as the drug of choice and, later, a cocaine goldrush followed.
But, as street dealers became millionaires during five decades of drug abuse, what happened to those caught up in the party?
This week, as Sky Documentaries begins its Dublin Narco series, we chat with two people who became part of that incredible story.
Jessica Wade went from ecstasy dealer to chronic addict and drug mule, only to get sober and devote her life to working in addiction services. While one of the city’s first heroin users, Paul Tracey, spent 37 years on the drug before finally getting clean.
Nicola Tallant and Niall Donald chat with Jessica and Paul, who will both appear on the series to be screened from March 4, about their own real-life experiences and their journeys to recovery.
Crime Word Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud.
MORE EPISODES –
Read more
Today's Headlines
ROD RAGE | Ballyfermot Rod Stewart fan who headbutted security guard at Dublin concert spared jail
Shocking | Three gardaí to be charged over alleged attack on young boys at Dublin golf club
stout of order | Popular Dublin pub hits back at ‘Guinness influencer’ over online campaign
Exclusive | Pictured: Alleged abuser charged with trying to murder partner with crossbow
HOUSE BOUND | Family of Kinahan chief Ross Browning still living in luxury properties frozen by CAB
racial abuse | Garda who called taxi driver ‘Paki’, ‘scum’ and ‘a black c**t’ ordered to pay €5k to charity
ULSTER VOLUNTEER FARCE | Loyalist terror group UVF preparing for future without a leader
disqualified | Uninsured driver who called gardaí after she reversed into tree gets fine and ban
Heartbreaking | Teen boy who died after being hit by truck in Co Mayo named as Zach Quinn (14)
'reckless' | Crumlin man who blinded neighbour by throwing bowl during dispute jailed for three years