Organised drug gangs ‘continue to operate with impunity across Louth’
Louth Sinn Féin TD told the Dáil that organised drug gangs continue to operate with impunity across the county during his party’s motion on drug debt intimidation and violence
Organised drug gangs ‘continue to operate with impunity across Louth’, Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has told the Dáil.
The Dundalk based deputy was speaking during his party’s motion on drug debt intimidation and violence which was tabled in the wake of the deaths of four members of the English family in Waterford earlier this month.
Deputy Ó Murchú said communities are living with the consequences of ‘entrenched drug criminality while sophisticated criminal networks continue to profit from fear, addiction and drug debts’ and said ‘the appalling deaths must mark a turning point in the State's response to organised crime’.
He said: “In Dundalk and across County Louth, we know the reality of drug dealing, intimidation, threats, violence and the destruction of property. We know that criminal networks operate in our towns and housing estates, and we know the fear they can create for families and communities.
“This is not something that happens somewhere else. These are issues affecting communities on our own doorstep, and they demand a much stronger response”.
He said while Gardaí were carrying out ‘excellent work’, the existing measures are ‘nowhere near sufficient to dismantle established criminal networks’.
He said: “We have people who have been dealing drugs for years. These organisations have become more sophisticated and discreet in their operations, while continuing to exploit vulnerable people and families.
“We need to target those who profit from drug debts, intimidation and sexual exploitation, and ensure Gardaí have the resources necessary to tackle these networks.”
Enforcement must be accompanied by a health-led approach to addiction and comprehensive supports for affected families.
He said: “Young people struggling with addiction need treatment and support, not simply criminalisation. But those running criminal enterprises and exploiting vulnerable people must face serious consequences.
“The Minister has described this as a watershed moment. That must mean real action, proper Garda resources and meaningful supports for communities in Dundalk, across Louth and throughout the State.
“We cannot allow these criminal networks to continue operating with impunity.”