Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that people working in our communities to keep young people out of crime and addiction issues need leadership, resources and meaningful action from government if we are to stem the rising crisis in drug intimidation that is devastating communities and stealing lives.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday evening, Teachta Crowe said:

“Drug-related intimidation and drug dealing have become normalised and rarely hit the headlines unless a death or deaths occur. Extortion payments are being demanded outside homes, workplaces, post offices and social welfare offices. We see severe beatings and arson attacks. This is the new normal in the drugs trade. It is a growing issue that cannot be ignored, minimised or treated as somebody else’s problem.

“Victims talk of fear, anxiety, desperation and a mounting sense of helplessness. Families are threatened and young people are being recruited into criminal networks. Individuals and households are being subjected to threats and harassment over alleged drug debts. That is Ireland in 2026. Fear and threats are the primary weapons used to maintain influence and control over people who owe money for drugs.

“The Government must stop pretending that its efforts are working. It is getting worse and it is a lucky family that is not affected. More of the same will not solve this problem, which has existed for decades. Criminal adults are exploiting vulnerable children and using them as disposable assets to work as drug couriers but nothing is being said or done about it. These children, some as young as eight, nine or ten, deserve a better and hope-filled future.

“We need properly resourced and visible community policing. An Garda Síochána must have the personnel, resources and local knowledge necessary to tackle open drug dealing, to identify those responsible for intimidation and to disrupt the criminal networks operating in our communities. Without a properly resourced, accessible and viable plan to respond to drug-related intimidation, victims and their families have nowhere to turn.

“The State has a responsibility to protect all of its citizens. They should never be left feeling that they are carrying this burden alone. We must strengthen the work of our local drug and alcohol task forces, community organisations and youth services. The proceeds of crime need to be put back into community safety and diversion initiatives and active projects that prevent young people from becoming involved in criminality and the justice system.

“There is enormous strength in our communities. There are dedicated volunteers, youth workers and community activists working with young people every day and supporting those impacted by addiction and drug crime. They are not looking for sympathy or empty promises. They are looking for leadership, resources and meaningful action.”