Extreme levels of intimidation by dealers have been reported across Cork with some drug debts even being passed on to family members
Once drug dealers get paid they target the individual again and try to lure them into further debt which in some cases forces people into working for the dealers as mules
A number of fatalities over the last 18 months in Cork, where people have taken their own lives, are being directly linked with intimidation over drug debts
Speaking on the Neil Prendeville Show Sinn Fein's Thomas Gould says drug intimidation is on the rise
"These drug dealers call to the family home intimidate the individual and their families and what happens you see people who have life savings paying it out while others take loans from banks or credit unions. I know of cases where families have come together and all chipped in to help clear the debt. It's tragic for the families involved"
