Families in the Galway city area who are being intimidated and threatened by drug thugs seeking payment for drug debts incurred by sons and daughters, have been urged to contact the Gardai.
The matter was raised by Fianna Fail Cllr Alan Cheevers at this week’s meeting of the City Council Joint Policing Committee, held remotely on Monday.
Cllr Cheevers outlined how he was aware of many families who have been threatened because their children may have a small drugs debt to a local dealer.
“These families are being intimidated by the dealers for the repayment of this debt, and they are terrified and reluctant to report it for fear of retribution by the dealers.”
In reply, Chief Supt Tom Curley said that this is an issue that they are determined to stamp out.
“Det Insp Mick Coppinger is the drugs liaison inspector for the region. We recommend that if there is pressure on families in relation to drug debts that they make contact with us and we will initiate an investigation.”
He said that he understands why families are often affirm to do this in case they are further intimidated by the drug dealers.
“We know there is a reluctance to do this, but we must stress that every approach is treated with the utmost confidentiality and we will follow it through. We already have had a number of these and we are determined to bring this behaviour to an end,” he said.
