Tipperary gardaí say they are aware that families are being left with drug debts

Members of the Tipperary Joint Policing Committee have expressed concerns about families who are left with drug debt.

The issue was first raised by Tipperary TD Martin Browne who asked Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner if the gardaí are looking at tackling the impact of drug debt.

“We all know people who have committed suicide because of that but often that debt is passed on to families and it adds pressure to families,” said Mr Browne.

Chief Supt Magner said that it was a “pertinent point” and gardaí are “cognisant of it.”

She said of families: “By its very nature, some of those families are not the ones taking drugs, their family members are but they are under ferocious pressure to pay the debt of children and loved ones.”

She said she encourages those families to come forward so that gardaí can provide support.

“Please do not hesitate to come to us. You will be dealt with in the strictest confidentiality, said Chief Supt Magner.

She went on to say that just because you speak with the gardai does not mean the matter will go to court.

But she said the guards can provide assistance, guidance and support for those dealing with drug-related intimidation and violence.

The chief superintendent suggested that at the next committee meeting, they might look at it in detail.

She said there is work going on in the area and she would like to present that to the JPC.