Waterford Gardaí have confirmed there has been a rise in reported drug debt intimidation cases, with a successful prosecution for this type of offence recently taking place in the Circuit Criminal Court.
A Waterford Garda spokesperson said that the reported rise in these cases is similar to statistics across Ireland, and Gardaí are encouraging anyone who is a victim of either threats of violence or criminal damage as a result of this type of offence to contact them for advice.
A collaborative approach between An Garda Síochána and DRIVE (Drug Related Intimidation & Violence Engagement) has been established, which brings together specific agencies who can help victims of intimidation. Details can be found by visiting www.driveproject.ie.
The recent case was heard this month at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court, before Judge Eugene O’Kelly. It arose from an incident where Gardaí received a report of two men who called to a house in Waterford, and demanded €10,000 from the home owner for an alleged drug debt.
The men threatened the owner, and said they would return in a week to collect the money. The owner then made a statement to Gardaí, and the two suspects were arrested and charged following an investigation.
In court this month, they were sentenced for the offence of demanding money with menaces, contrary to Section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. One man, aged 31, from Clondalkin, Dublin, received a seven year sentence, which was reduced to five years and three months with mitigation.
The second man, 26, from Dungarvan in west Waterford was handed a five year sentence, which was reduced to three years nine months in mitigation. This will run concurrently with another sentence he received for a robbery of the Post Office in Poleberry, Waterford city in June 2025. Both men are currently in custody.
The spokesperson for Waterford Garda Station added: “We would strongly encourage people to consider the support available if you are the victim of this type of crime. In Waterford, we have the specially appointed Liaison, Detective Inspector Donal Donohue, who is the nominated DRI Garda Inspector”.
“You can make contact via Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300 or convey any information on our confidential voice messaging line, 1800 666 111. If you require the immediate assistance of An Garda Síochána, phone 999 or 112,” the spokesperson added.
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