Appeal for action as Mayo families being harassed over drug debts

A Mayo TD has raised fresh concerns over families in the county being consistently harassed over drug debts.

Deputy Paul Lawless elaborated: "A lot of young people caught up in drugs cannot pay what they own to dealers.

"Many emigrate or leave their communities.

"Drug dealers then harass their parents and grandparents.

"I know of a family in Mayo where an aunt and uncle have been harassed by drug dealers.

"We need to get to grips with this issue. We need tougher sentencing for drug dealers who seek to recoup debts from the families of the children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews involved.

"It is shocking that many families are living in fear. I know of some cases where farm equipment was stolen to pay for such debt.

"We need tougher sentencing on a whole raft of issues, but especially concerning the drug issue.

"Most especially, we need them for drug dealers and adults who use children as pawns to do their dirty work.

"It is happening on an organised basis. We all know it and we need to get to grips with it.

"What is the future for these young people we see in gangs around shopfronts doing dirty work acting as runners for drug dealers?

"What is their life expectancy? If we do not tackle this issue, we will create another generation of young people, young adults, who will be forever in the criminal justice system."