Issue Date: 17th May 2022
Gardaí attached to the Operation Fógra DMR North investigation team have arrested three individuals in relation to Drug Related Intimidation, today, Tuesday 17th May 2022.
The three men (aged 19, 23 and 30) were arrested at different locations in Dublin and taken to local Garda Stations where they were subsequently charged. All three men are scheduled to appear before Court 4 of the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning, 17th May 2022.
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.
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.
Operation Fógra is An Garda Síochána’s response in the DMR to Drug Related Intimidation (DRI) as part of the Garda National Strategy under Operation Tara.
Operation Fógra was launched to combat DRI which has been identified as a major source of community harm and fear in the DMR and is a sinister motive for various forms of criminality.
The operation has two (2) underpinning pillars,
- A harm reduction victim centred approach
- Information enabled policing informing operational responses.
The objectives of Operation Fógra are to support communities, increase frontline awareness of DRI and enhance collaboration. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is appointed to all incidents identified as having a DRI motive.
An Garda Síochána is determined to support victims of DRI and to bring offenders before the courts
If you are the victim of DRI, the first thing you should do is seek advice to identify your options. Victims should be aware that payment of money can in many instances increase the pressure and threats being made to victims from criminals seeking to extort money. The DRI Inspector and Op Fógra team in DMR North are available to provide advice to you.
There are community based agencies throughout the country, such as Fingal Families, which will provide advice and support to victims.
