Drug dealer debt collection on rise

GARDAÍ APPEAL TO PEOPLE LIVING IN FEAR AMID INTIMIDATION

GARDAÍ are today urging anyone who has been subjected to drug debt intimidation to contact them urgently in confidence following a major escalation in drug related crime within the district.

The issue of drug debt collection and intimidation has emerged a number of times during Covid-19 restrictions as drug dealers are not making as much money selling drugs, turning their attention instead to drug debt collection.

A dedicated drugs unit at New Ross Garda Station has been very active, with several files being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, following significant drugs and weapons seizures across the district and in neighbouring south Kilkenny.

Addiction counsellors in the New Ross area are seeing first hand the fall-out from an alleged turf war and a lack of cash flow for dealers due to Covid-19 restrictions and difficulties in getting drugs like heroin into the area.