Drug gangs 'take over' up to 20 houses in Ballymun

The funeral of Patrick (Pappy) Lyons, who was shot dead in Ballymun in February. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Drug gangs have “taken over” up to 20 houses in a north Dublin suburb, according to new research.

The report on Ballymun found a “marked increase in violence and aggressive, intimidating behaviour” in the area, associated, in particular, with a “surge” in crack cocaine use.