Drug related intimidation happening locally, say gardaí

Support is available for people experiencing drug related intimidation, local gardaí have said.

Last year the National DRIVE (drug related intimidation and violence engagement) Awareness Campaign was officially launched nationally.

The key message of the campaign is that drug related intimidation and violence can happen to anyone and accessing support can really help. DRIVE is a multi-agency response, involving the gardaí, regional and local drug and alcohol task forces, the HSE, the Probation Service, Department of Justice and others.

Garda Inspector Patrick McGirl told the Herald that people seeking help will be met in complete confidence and with the utmost compassion.

“DRIVE provides an overall response to the needs of people who are experiencing drug related intimidation. It is happening in every city and town and it’s happening in rural areas,” he warned. “Drugs have no boundary, and where drugs are present, drug related intimidation will happen as well. It is real and it does destroy lives.” This intimidation can manifest itself in many different ways and affects individuals and communities, the inspector said.

“It can include verbal threats, physical violence, sexual violence, as well as criminal damage. In a lot of instances, intimidation is a way of exerting control over an individual and a community, and ensure that people are silenced,” he explained. “Normally it is the families that are impacted, mainly because a member of the family might be involved in drugs and may have accumulated a debt. Or sometimes they have a drug addiction and are involved in criminality in order to pay for their drug habit.” This involvement could see them storing drugs, laying them open to being brought before the courts.

“The sentences on conviction can be very serious including custodial sentences. That is for the individual themselves, but often it is their families that receive the brunt of the intimidation.” Criminals involved in the drugs trade can target families as they know that is where people are most vulnerable “and they will always aim to target the vulnerability”.

“These people are criminals, they are not bound by any rules or regulations. Often times, if families or individuals make payments, these criminals see they are ‘good’ for this money, so the debt may multiply dramatically,” said Inspector McGirl.

He added that there are cases of drug related intimidation being referred to him from both Roscommon and Longford, and he is dealing with a number of cases at the moment.

“Every case I deal with is dealt with in total confidentiality. I appreciate also how the families are impacted and I also am aware that families are reluctant to approach An Garda Síochána, as they have concerns for their loved ones, their home, and possible other repercussions," he said. “I will provide them with practical safety information and support on threats and intimidation.

“Often times these families are subject to harassment, people continually calling to their houses, threatening them or continually requesting money. I will not advise the individuals involved to either pay or not pay, that’s their own decision. But what I will do, I will advise them on the pros and cons of payment or non-payment. I will advise them in what may happen in either scenario, it’ll be their own decision.” Information on drug addiction services will also be provided. Crucially, the utmost care will be taken to mitigate against any risk to the person’s seeking help.

“They will not be required to make a statement of complaint, meaning they will not have to go before the court and they will not be asked to support a prosecution,” said Inspector McGirl. “But if they do wish to make a formal complaint, they can. I will explain the whole process to them, the investigation and if there is sufficient evidence how a prosecution will take place. There will be no pressure in any way for them to do that. It’ll be their decision.” He also stressed that he meets people at a location of their choosing, and that he will be in plain clothes and not driving a Garda car.

“I can meet them at any location that they are comfortable with,” he said. "We need to provide whatever assistance we can to keep these people safe."

To contact Inspector McGirl e-mail patrick.o.mcgirl@garda.ie.