Officer assigned to tackle problem of drugs intimidation

A police officer has been assigned to deal with the growing problem of drug-related intimidation in Westmeath.

At last Monday's meeting of the Joint Policing Committee, members heard that individuals and families in urban and rural areas are being intimidated over drugs debt.

Addressing the meeting in Mullingar, Detective Superintendent David Nolan announced that Inspector Ray Smyth, who is based in Mullingar, has been assigned to deal with drug-related intimidation in the county.

The meeting was told that gardai in Mullingar currently have two people before the courts in relation to intimidation incidents.

The case relates to an aggravated burglary and assault and other offences that occurred last year. A third person has been linked to these crimes forensically. Similar investigations were conducted in 2022 in the Rochfortbridge area and a man was jailed.

Drug-related intimidation occurs when a criminal or criminals claim that a sum of money is owed as a result of a drug debt. Individuals or family members may be subjected to intimidation or the threat of intimidation.

Supt Nolan said that any individual or family affected should contact Inspector Smyth or their local garda station. They can meet formally or informally with Inspector Smyth, in confidence, and will be afforded the best level of help, security, support and advice possible. The matter will be dealt with confidentially and securely, he said.

Citing incidents where injured parties had come forward, prosecutions were successfully taken, and the victims were supported, Supt Nolan said: "We have a clear policy regarding intimidation and exploitation of minors and it is our mission to safeguard people and their human rights."

In the case of the exploitation of minors to engage in illegal activity associated with the drugs trade, all information is dealt with at local level and acted upon in a way that does not put any child or their family at further risk of harm from criminals who have used children to assist in this illicit trade, Superintendent Nolan stated.

Cllr Michael Dollard referred to a number of suicides and fatal overdoses in Mullingar in the past. He urged people with drugs debts to go to the gardai and said they will be listened to in a compassionate way. He claimed that children of 12, 13 and younger are getting involved in drugs and being used as drugs mules.

Cllr Hazel Smyth said that family, friends and workplaces are being affected by drug debt intimidation. "What practical security supports are available and what heightened level of support can Gardai provide?" she asked. She also wondered if Gardai can rely on doorbell cameras.

Superintendent Nolan replied that crime prevention officer Sergeant John McWalter offers crime prevention and security advice. He can also offer advice on CCTV installation and is involved in Community Watch and Hospital Watch.

Cllr Denis Leonard asked if the drug activity was internal within the county with locally based gangs or outside gangs employing locals for distribution. He spoke of the danger of vapes saying that sometimes the contents are emptied out and more harmful chemicals put in.

Superintendent Nolan replied that he was not familiar with vaping legislation, but said that some publicans were banning vaping. He said that investigations have shown that drugs are being distributed on behalf of organised criminal gangs.

Cllr Liam McDaniel said that individuals and businesses are being intimidated to use their bank accounts for money laundering. He said that those who build up drug debts sometimes turn to illegal money lenders and the result is the same. He asked if these were areas Inspector Smyth would be dealing with too.

The Superintendent said it was all linked and urged those being intimidated in any way to come forward.

The best way to hurt these people is in the pocket, remarked Cllr John Dolan who said that CAB should be used to achieve this.

Cllr Frankie Keena praised the Gardai and the Customs and Excise unit in Athlone for their work in cracking down on drugs distribution. He asked if Gardai investigated drug use in pubs and night clubs where, he said, cocaine dust was clearly visible on surfaces in the toilets. He wondered how big a problem fentanyl was in the area, remarking that it is a highly dangerous drug and people are concerned about it.

Superintendent Nolan said that undercover operations in pubs and night clubs are planned for the near future. Gardai do not believe that fentanyl is widespread in the area, but are monitoring it.