Ireland faces widespread drug-related intimidation across all counties

Drug-related intimidation is occurring in every county across Ireland, according to data presented at a conference in Portlaoise. The DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) project reported 1,027 recorded cases of intimidation over the 2024 and 2025 period.

Detective Superintendent Sé McCormack of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau noted that these incidents, which include criminal damage, threats, and extortion, are becoming increasingly violent. The report highlighted that cocaine is linked to nearly 60% of cases, followed by cannabis at 14%. While most debts range between €1,000 and €4,999, 39 incidents involved amounts exceeding €20,000.

In Monaghan, community leaders have expressed concern that residents are afraid to seek help due to the threat of violence. Packie Kelly of the Teach na nDaoine Family Resource Centre has called for increased government funding and better anonymous reporting channels to ensure victims feel safe coming forward to An Garda Síochána.