KIDS AGED 12 LURED INTO DRUGS GANGS
Shocking report on South Dublin crime
CRIMINALS are luring children as young as 12 into anti-social activity including drug dealing, it has been revealed.
A shocking new report by University of Limerick lecturer John Connolly tells how gangs are controlling parts of Dublin South-central.
Fianna Fail spokesman on justice and equality Jim O’callaghan said it made for “disturbing reading”.
The publication covers the areas of Inchicore, Crumlin, the Liberties, Walkinstown, Drimnagh, Ballyfermot, Kilmainham and Rialto.
According to the report, gang bosses are admired by lower level members in the community with younger people looking to emulate them.
It said there are two distinct networks operating through the communities and the drugs and having an offensive weapon. Four of the suspects have been charged to appear at a later date, two were released without charge and one was brought before the courts on foot of a bench warrant.
Another person was charged and brought before the courts, one is to be dealt with under the juvenile diversion activity is being carried out to try and drive gardai out of the area.
Deputy O’callaghan added: “Our children and our communities are being failed. Fianna Fail has prepared draft legislation to help put an end to the abuse of children in the distribution of drugs. If scheme and an adult caution was given. Gardai also carried out a search in Durrus and discovered a suspected grow house containing a total of €12,400 worth of suspected cannabis herb and plants.
In a second unrelated search, gardai seized €4,900 of suspected cannabis and €17,200 in cash at a house in the Ballylickey area of Bantry. passed the Bill would make it an aggravated offence to use children in the supply or purchase of illegal drugs and it would be an important weapon in the battle against these gangs.”
Dublin Labour Senator Aodhan O Riordain said: “Sadly it doesn’t come as a major surprise that children as young as 12 are being groomed by drug gangs
DUBLIN YESTERDAY
in Dublin. The reality is a lot of criminality is based around family structures, which can lead to young people being drawn into crime almost by default.
“As a society we need to have compassion for that 12-year-old and work at local level to ensure important voices in the community are being heard.
“There are a lot of initiatives that work in the inner city, where the voices of community organisations and local representatives are being heard.
“These need to be replicated communities can feel safe.
“We also need to move beyond an immediate criminal justice response to drug use and juvenile drug crime.
“Other jurisdictions are thinking differently about how we approach this area and we need to have that conversation in Ireland too.” so
Fianna Fail has prepared draft legislation...children and communities are being failed JIM O’CALLAGHAN