Drug related intimidation is of growing concern locally and nationally and a campaign is now underway to increase awareness for families and individuals affected, in an effort to let them know that there is help out there, and they do not have to combat the situation alone.

Elected councillors in the Westport/Belmullet  Municipal District raised their concerns over the number of families that in the region that are being intimidated by drug dealers. It occurs after a member of the family uses drugs and then becomes unable to pay for the substances. The drug dealers pursue the debt and families feel scared and isolated as a result.

Councillors spoke of families being pursued for debts of 20,000 euro and more and of cars being burnt in driveways as a result.

At yesterday’s monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District councillors had invited Mayo Detective Inspector Denis Harrington and the Co-ordinator of the Western Regional Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce Micheál Durcan to discuss the matter and to ask if there are options out there for families and individuals impacted. Many are anxious about talking to the Gardai about the problem in case the drug user would end up with a criminal conviction.

But the clear message from both men was not to be afraid there is help available from the Western Regional Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce through the Family Support Worker based in Ballinrobe, the Gardai and elsewhere.

Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley spoke to Inspector Detective Harrington and Micheál Durcan about the increasing incidents of drug related intimidation and where families / individuals affected can turn….