THE country is experiencing a gangland and drugs crisis, with entire communities facing intimidation on a regular basis, a major drugs conference has heard.

SOCIETY is in denial about the impact of addiction on families who regularly struggle to cope while the addict obtains professional help, an expert in addiction has warned.

FAMILIES and gardaí will meet next week to begin drawing up a plan to combat intimidation of communities by drug gangs.

GARDAÍ are looking at setting up a secure system to allow drug users and their families to safely report intimidation from drug gangs.

FAMILIES affected by drugs have called for the drugs crisis to be given the same priority as road safety.

THERE is hope and there is help, says Susan.

UP to a thousand people are expected to attend an annual service tonight in memory of all those who have died from drugs and to support those struggling with addiction.

PARENTS seeking help for their children caught up in drugs were yesterday urged to contact a national family support group.

Drugs campaigners today unleashed a blistering attack on pharmacists who are refusing to give methadone to thousands of recovering heroin addicts.

A YOUNG man was in custody yesterday after the biggest ecstasy find by gardaí this year, with more than 180,000 tablets seized.