Meath families at centre of drug debt intimidation

Several Meath families are being terrorised over drug debts with many of them too terrified to speak out or report incidents.

Threats have been made on the lives of those owing money, many of them teenagers and their families, and the intimidation involves everything from assaults to WhatsApp messages, phone calls, callers to the door, graffiti and criminal damage to property.

As the country reels from the recent murder in Waterford of two children and their parents in an arson attack directly linked to organized drug debt intimidation, both the gardai and local representatives in Meath who have been dealing with these issues say the intimidation is widespread.

Inspector Mick Kearney, the Drug Related Intimidation (DRI) Inspector for Meath said from the 1st of January 2025 to the 1st of August 2026, there was 101 incidents of DRI reported across the Meath/Westmeath Division and roughly two thirds of the incidents were solely in Meath.

He also believes people are reluctant to come forward and report the intimidation, but says there is help and support out there.

"We would feel there is a vast under reporting of DRI incidents, but there there is help.

"There is a dedicated DRI Inspector for every Garda Division. Meath/Westmeath has two DRI Inspectors, I cover Meath and Insp Ray Smith coveers Westmeath. Speak to us - the inspectors will go through all options open to you. The decision to pursue a prosection always lies with the victim. We have people currently before the courts, facing serious charges relating to DRI.

"Confidential support is available from the DRI Inspector. We will signpost the victim of intimidation to agencies where help is available to them for example the Family Support Network (FASN) who are there to support the family of the person with the drug habit."

The Inspector will also give advice in relation to making statements and proceeding with a prosecution and the Crime Prevention officer will advise on CCTV systems, door bell cameras, lighting and social media.

"We will also give advice in relation to addiction services in Meath as the root of the problem is always the purchasing of controlled drugs," said Insp Kearney.

When it comes to drug use, Inspector Kearney says Meath is no different to any county in Ireland, or indeed any first world country. "Where there is drug use, there will be DRI. The recreational use of cocaine is the main driver of DRI in Meath. People become addicted, use more drugs than they can financially sustain, the drug dealers intimidate people, in order to collect payment for the illegal drugs supplied.

"If you don’t start taking drugs in the first place, none of this will ever visit your door. It is an expensive and dangerous world, that has ruined many young lives and their families that have to deal with the fall out.

"There is a direct link between recreational drug use and DRI. The recreational drug user, over time, can build up a tolerance to the substance they are using, which can lead to taking larger quantities, to achieve the same effect. Often the recreational drug user become addicted to the drug they are taking, they end up taking the drug, just to feel normal and get through the day. When this starts to happen, drug debts can build up quickly. Often the drug dealers will put a “tax” on the drug debt, to ensure the debt is never fully cleared and they have power over the user and their family."

Cllr Alan Lawes said he has been dealing with several families who are being subjected to severe abuse and intimidation over drug debts incurred by teenagers.

"It is happening in all our communities and people are terrified to speak up.

"People have been attacked, threatened, their homes threatened. In one case a young lad got into debt with dealers in Navan and there were two or three attacks on his home, at one time a gas cannister was thrown through the window.

"I know of one young lad who had to leave the country. I know a mother who experienced extreme threats to her son, her home and herself. One young man was badly beaten."

"There are only two things someone can do if they get into this situation, either pay the debt or contact the gardai. Hiding is not the answer."

Cllr Lawes said he went to the home of a younger teenager in the county whose family was being threatened. "While I was sitting talking to his mother, the dealer arrived outside the house, shouting and texting her. He waited outside for two hours. I experienced that woman's terror. I was afraid to leave myself."

"These are the type of people you are supporting when you buy cocaine on a Friday or Saturday night. If you are buying cocaine you are complicit in this intimidation and violence. These are the type of people who burned a family of four to death," he said.

Cllr Lawes said that there should be a mandatory sentence for drug debt intimidation. There is a mandatory sentence of 10 years for possession of over a certain of drugs, but there should also be a mandatory sentence for intimidation," he said.

Senator Sharon Keogan said that every town and village in Meath and the entire country has this problem.

She hit out at those who buy from these dealers. "If you snort coke, you are complicit. You are equally responsible. These people don't care whose lives they ruin," she said.