Pio Smith seeks supports for families and stronger laws to prosecute criminals
Labour Councillor Pio Smith says that despite the magnificent work done by Gardaí over the past five years in dismantling Drogheda’s drug gangs, instances of drug debt intimidation in Drogheda have risen significantly.
Councillor Smith says he has had reports from families living in a number of areas in the town who are being persecuted by thugs demanding cash or face being burned out of their homes.
“These families are law abiding people with no involvement in drug use or the drug trade” he said, “but this hasn’t stopped low level dealers targeting them for money.
“Every week the demand for payment increases, windows are being broken, people are being threatened with physical violence and women are bearing the brunt of the stress and violence.
“There needs to be a joint policy initiative developed between An Garda Siochana and Louth County Council to help families to deal with this distressing situation.
“In my view this should include considering prioritising council tenants who find themselves in this situation on the transfer list. Also, if a council tenant is convicted of Drug Debt Intimidation, they should lose their right to social housing.
“Laws need to be strengthened to enable quick prosecution of criminals involved in drug debt intimidation as this activity is destroying the health and wellbeing of individuals and families as well as costing families significant sums of money to repair homes.
“Also, drug debt intimidation directly targets children and females. It’s insidious in its effect on people causing severe mental trauma that can last a lifetime.
“We simply can’t allow this behaviour to go on and we all have a responsibility to find a solution” he concluded.
