Drug-related violence an 'enormous' problem

Drug-related intimidation and violence has become an “enormous” problem across Cork and Kerry, according to the co-ordinator of the HSE’s Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement (DRIVE) service.

The comments were made at a meeting of the Cork Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), on Tuesday 30 June.

They said the issue has become increasingly more prevalent as drug gangs have shortened the time it takes them to go after the families of those who owe them money.

“People would think that drug dealers or gangs would approach someone and tell them to keep it to themselves, and really put the pressure on them.

“What I’ve found is that as soon as the drug dealers can pass that stress onto the families, the sooner that they’d get paid. Very soon into the interaction between the drug dealer and the person who owes the money, they’re calling to the house, they’re damaging the house, they’re threatening family members.

“Drug related intimidation becomes a family problem very quickly,” the spokerson - who cannot be named - said.

They also said intimidation is not necessarily physical or in-person.

One case they cited involved a drug dealer adding the child of a debtor on a social media platform.

“Digital and online intimidation is huge, people don’t need to have a face to see, they don’t need to smash a window, this can all be done very subtly.

“Which is why it’s so hard to highlight, it’s very hard to know the enormity of drug-related intimidation,” they said.

A national database has been established based on data provided by DRIVE co-ordinators around the country, which they said has made clear the “enormity” of the problem in Ireland.

It also highlighted the international dimension of the problem. Drug gang networks which extend outside of Ireland, such as to Spain, utilise these networks as part of their intimidation.

The DRIVE service was set up to provide support to families and drug users that are facing intimidation or violence related to drug use.

This support can include providing advice and support on options available to them with regard to paying the debt, as well as putting them in touch with members of An Garda Síochána if they wish to make a formal complaint.

If you or someone you know have been affected by drug-related intimidation or violence, contact the DRIVE Project office on 086-1281782, or email drive@ndublinrdtf.ie.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.