Disturbing levels of drug intimidation occurring 

A disturbing picture of the rising levels of drug-related intimidation in the West is emerging.

This week, a sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court heard the shocking story of a Mayo family who had their car burned out and family home damaged by drug dealers chasing an outstanding drug debt. The family had already paid out €50,000 before callous criminals targeted them again and caused €60,000 of damage to their home.

Through its family support service, and the DRIVE programme, the Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce (WRDATF) is trying to create an opportunity for people to realise they are not alone and support is available.

Maria Powers, Family Support Co-Ordinator with the taskforce told the Western People that they are seeing harrowing examples of intimidation across the region.

 “They are targeting everybody but are particularly putting pressure on the families they know can pay and particularly families who have paid already. It’s not a case of we have gotten enough from them we will leave them alone for a while. That doesn’t happen,” said Ms Powers.

The sums of money involved can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of euro.

“Some people have sold houses or put their house on the market in an attempt to repay some of that debt,” said Ms Powers.

She said the taskforce has seen examples of threats of violence, threats to property and sometimes threats to other siblings or family members.

Ms Powers said they are often encountering families who have not been intimidated but because of their loved ones spiralling drug use they fear that it is coming down the line. “That’s something we are seeing a lot of at the minute,” said Ms Powers.

Drug dealers are also targeting the families of drug users even if a debt does not exist.

Ms Powers said drug users are being coerced into further criminality because of an outstanding drug debt. “They might be told we will half whatever you owe if you go to somebody’s house, knock on their door and intimidate them." People are also being enticed to become drug couriers and the dealers keep text messages as a way of trapping and blackmailing the debtor.

The WRDATF is encouraging families to reach out to the organisation and local Gardai for confidential help and support.More information is available at wrdatf.ie.