Drug-debt intimidation 'not like owing a bank manager money' 

Drug-debt intimidation has proliferated since Ireland's cocaine use exploded, with users forced to work as dealers to clear debts

Last year, cocaine accounted for one in three of the 12,009 cases treated for problem drug use, ahead of opioids, cannabis, and benzodiazepines. Picture: An Garda Síochána

A chance red light gave John the split-second chance to jump out of the car he had been bundled into by three drug-debt enforcers armed with a hammer and crowbar.

He had been grabbed as he walked down the street, shoved into the car, and told by the driver, who was holding a hammer, that he’d “get it”.