ATTENDING the first public meeting of the Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) in Athenry were Michael Owens, Director of Services; Maria Powers, Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force; Detective Inspector Brendan Carroll, An Garda Síochána; Marie Nicholson, LCSP Coordinator; LCSP Chair and Cathaoirleach Cllr Andrew Reddington; Jo Mullins Community Safety Administrator; Emmet Major, Planet Youth. Photo: Jacinta Fahy

Victims of local drug intimidation urged to come forward

Patrick Flaherty

Published: Fri 18 Sep 2026, 1:00 PM

DRUG INTIMIDATION is resulting in cases of suicide, large debts and people being forced into more serious criminality.

That's the view of Maria Powers, the Liaison Officer in Galway for DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation & Violence Engagement), who addressed a public meeting in Athenry last week.

The DRIVE Project has been set up to help families impacted by drug intimidation — whether it's damage to personal property, physical violence, sexual violence or verbal threats and harassment. The meeting of the Co Galway Local Communitiy Safety Partnership (LCSP) heard how drug use has become an all-too-common occurrence in villages and towns, leading to a rise in intimidation incidents towards those unable to pay.

Speaking at the meeting Maria Powers said she was concerned by the low numbers coming forward to report cases of drug intimidation.

“It might not feel like a substantial issue that the Gardaí need to be made aware of, but drug intimidation incidents are leading to severe consequences,” Maria warned.

“Among them are suicide, debts to loan sharks, a need to emigrate from the country, being forced into more serious criminality, or assault to you or a family member.

“But I can assure, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The DRIVE team are here to help those involved in these types of crimes and their families. But we can do nothing if people don’t come forward, and the number of incidents being reported is too low.”

Having cars burnt out or house windows smashed, being the victims of beatings that result in individuals being hospitalised or being forced into prostitution were just some of the examples of drug intimidation given during the meeting.

“People often don’t see the problem with taking the odd line of cocaine, but when they do, they are funding the cartel. There is no such thing as harmless drug taking,” stated Detective Inspector Brendan Carroll, Nominated Drug Related Intimidation Inspector for the Northwestern Region.

“Not everyone will want to make an official statement which could incriminate their son or daughter, but by coming forward the DRIVE team can offer advice and help.

“Many arrests can arise without making a statement. Getting a feel for what is happening somewhere can be hugely helpful, even without a statement.

“The success of the DRIVE Project is built on it being completely confidential and it is a vital tool in our efforts to fight drug intimidation and drug crime.”