Cocaine most common drug linked to gang intimidation

James Cox

Cocaine has been identified as the drug most commonly linked to intimidation by criminal gangs in Ireland, according to a major new national report.

The DRIVE study recorded more than 1,000 cases of drug-related threats and violence over the past two years, with cocaine connected to almost 59 per cent of incidents.

Researchers say intimidation ranges from violent threats to coercion, property damage and the takeover of vulnerable people’s homes.

Support services warn the real scale of the problem is likely far greater.

Pauline McKeown, chief executive of Coolmine Therapeutic, said the 'demographic' for cocaine users is changing all the time.

McKeown told Newstalk: "The DRIVE report shows 59 per cent of people who came forward, the drug of choice was cocaine.

"We're certainly seeing, in terms of the age bracket, in the 20-24s, a nucleus of people coming forward for support. But we are seeing six per cent who would be under-18s.