Study reveals 75% of people do not report intimidation by drug gangs

A new study by drug taskforces around the country, reveals three quarters of people who have experienced intimidation from gangs or drug dealers do not report it to Gardaí.

The research comes as a conference on drug policies takes place in Dublin later.

President Michael D Higgins and the Drugs Minister Aodhan O'Riordain are among the speakers at today's event as part of Citywide's Drugs Crisis Campaign.

The decriminalisation of drug users will also be discussed.

Co-ordinator of Citywide Anna Quigley, says drug addicts and their families are vulnerable to intimidation from dealers and gangs.

Ms Quigley said: "They feared reprisals as they are in fear of the people intimidating them. As a result of this we had 67% reporting mental health problems, 30% with physical health problems and 37% reported experiencing physical injury.

"So, it's a really serious problem and the work we are doing is just a first step into bringing that problem out into the open."