Drugs hell of intimidated Mayo families revealed

PARENTS in Mayo have paid dealers to stop selling drugs to their children.

That's the level of desperation being experienced by families, some of whom have found themselves subjected to intimidation by dealers.

The gardaí have implored people affected to reach out to them for support - you will be treated in confidence and with sympathy.

The issue of drug-related intimidation was discussed during a presentation by Michéal Durcan of the Western Region Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to the Mayo Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

There is no town or village where this is not being felt, with subtle ways of intimidation that leaves people isolated, he said.

There is also a sense of shame associated with it, especially in rural areas.

Through its family support service, and the DRIVE programme, the task force is trying to create an opportunity for people to realise they are not alone and support is available.

Westport Councillor Christy Hyland said some parents have met the dealer and paid them off to stop selling drugs to their children.

That is the desperation parents find themselves in, he said.

The problem then is if that dealer goes away, another steps up and it gets out of control.

Parents, he added, don't know where to turn to.

Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon said the entire family is affected by intimidation.

There are community gardaí working on the ground in Mayo and if families have issues he urged them to come forward.

They will be treated confidentially, with sensitivity and sympathy, and put in touch with other support agencies.