Drug-related intimidation is getting worse as families are no longer able to raise money through loans, and teenagers are clocking up huge debts from addiction to cannabis weed.

A national Garda system to help families intimidated by dealers over drug debts is due to be launched in the coming months.

A GARDA pilot project aimed at combating intimidation of families by drug dealers is due to be launched in December.

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

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

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.

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

Cormac O’Keeffe