Children as young as eight being recruited by criminal gangs to deliver drugs and collect debts

Report found about 1,000 young people under the age of 17 are at risk of being recruited and used by criminal networks for the purpose of organised crime.

Children as young as eight being criminally exploited and intimidated to deliver drugs and collect debts is a lived reality for many families across Ireland, it has been claimed.

Mecpaths, which works to counter child-trafficking, said all organisations working directly with young people must be alert to the signs of exploitation of children.