Drug Related Intimidation

What is Drug Related Intimidation?                                                                                               

Drug Related Intimidation occurs when a criminal or criminals allege that a sum of money is owed as a result of a drug debt.  Individuals or other family members may be subjected to intimidation or the threat of intimidation.  Intimidation can take many forms including threats, threats of physical violence, physical violence, damage to property, various forms of violence.  Families and their loved ones become the victims once subject to such intimidation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing drug-related intimidation, there is help and support available. The Drug Related Intimidation Programme responds to the needs of persons who use drugs and family members experiencing drug related intimidation. 

What is the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme?

The purpose of this programme is to respond to the needs of persons and family members who are experiencing drug related intimidation.  A Garda Inspector is nominated in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation.  Individuals and family members experiencing intimidation can make contact with the local Inspector through their local Garda Station for an informal or formal meeting.

Where can I get help?

An Garda Síochána will stress that whether a family or loved one has paid these debts, this is not a deterrent in seeking the help, advice and support of An Garda Síochána. 

An Garda Síochána in dealing with any complaint of drug related intimidation or advice sought in relation to this issue, will do so with the utmost safety and effective means in order to afford the person or family subject to a threat the best level of security, advice and support which can be offered.  Most importantly An Garda Síochána will deal with this issue in the utmost confidential, victim and human rights centered fashion. 

What help can the Gardaí offer me if I am experiencing intimidation?

• Confidentiality
• Provide practical safety information
• Provide advice in relation to the particular threats or instances of intimidation
• Provide information on appropriate drug support services for the individual in the family who is accruing drug debts
• Outline how to make a formal complaint, what is involved, what happens after and possible outcomes. It is the decision of the person being intimidated if they want to make a formal complaint.

For further information on the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and how to contact your nominated Inspector at your local Garda Station including contact telephone numbers, please click on links below:

• Contact details for nominated Inspectors for Intimidation Programme – 2023