Gangs intimidating families over debts of drug users

THE growing problem of drug gangs intimidating families and communities is a top priority in the new national drugs strategy.

The rise in physical attacks and property damage, much of it linked to drug debts, threatens to undermine the participation of local communities in combating the drugs problem, according to the strategy, which has been seen by the Irish Examiner.

The National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, highlights a number of serious failings in the previous strategy, which ran from 2001-2008. These include: