Strategy to stop threats by dealers

A STRATEGY to tackle intimidation of drug addicts and their families by dealers pursuing drug-related debts is being piloted in Dublin by the Garda National Drugs Unit.

Det Supt Michael O’Sullivan of the drugs unit said intimidation of addicts and families, with threats of violence and actual violence, for drug debts was a “difficult to quantify but significant issue” causing enormous fear in some communities.

A senior member of the force had been identified in every Garda station in the Dublin metropolitan area as the local liaison on the issue of intimidation, he said.

The project, which has been under way since March, will be assessed in September and if deemed a success is to be rolled out across the State.

Sadie Grace, co-ordinator of the Family Support Network which advises and supports families dealing with drug abuse, welcomed the initiative saying intimidation had become worse in recent years.