26 July 2001 Edition
IRA rubbishes drugs stories
The following statement from the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann was received by An Phoblacht on Wednesday, 25 July:
``In recent weeks a number of media outlets, most notably Jim Cusack of The Irish Times, have attempted to link the IRA to the drugs trade.
``The IRA leadership refutes these baseless allegations, which have been fabricated to mislead the public.
``The IRA's position on the drugs trade is well known. We are totally opposed to it in all its forms.''
P O'Neill,
Irish Republican Publicity Bureau,
Dublin
``In recent weeks a number of media outlets, most notably Jim Cusack of The Irish Times, have attempted to link the IRA to the drugs trade.
``The IRA leadership refutes these baseless allegations, which have been fabricated to mislead the public.
``The IRA's position on the drugs trade is well known. We are totally opposed to it in all its forms.''
P O'Neill,
Irish Republican Publicity Bureau,
Dublin