Initiative to tackle drug-debt bullying by dealers

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.

Family support organisations have joined forces with gardaí to create a national programme to address what has been a hidden problem.

The National Drug-Related Intimidation Programme is being formally launched today by Alex White, the drugs minister, Derek Byrne, assistant garda commissioner, and Family Support Network (FSN) coordinator Sadie Grace.