COCAINE WAS LINKED with nearly 60% of drug-related intimidation cases recorded in Ireland last year, according to the first national report into the issue.

The report found that drug debt was a major factor in intimidation cases, with two-thirds of people reporting debts. These ranged from €100 to over €20,000.

The figures were published by the Health Research Board as part of a national project called Drive, working with people affected by drug-related threats and violence.

Over 1,000 cases of drug-related intimidation were recorded nationally across 2024 and 2025 through addiction and family support services.

Threats against individuals were the most common form of intimidation, recorded in two-thirds of cases, followed by threats against family members and physical violence.

Nearly 30% of people had experienced intimidation for more than a year. After cocaine, cannabis was the drug most in question, being a factor in 14% of cases, followed by opioids at 8%.

Junior minister for drugs Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said the findings showed drug-related intimidation was affecting “every community and people from all walks of life”.

Drug-related intimidation was reported in every county, and almost 75% of people affected were living in stable accommodation.

A quarter of people suffering intimidation were in paid employment, and almost two-thirds lived with family members including children.

Angela Willis, assistant garda commissioner for organised and serious crime, said that gardaí dealt with about 600 cases of drug-related intimidation and violence in 2025 alone.

She added that the crime could be difficult for victims to report because of fear and coercion, but added that dedicated liaison inspectors are now in place in every garda division in the country.

The Drive project was established in 2020 to respond to drug-related intimidation and violence through training, support services, and data collection. More than 800 people across 24 drug and alcohol task force areas have received training to help identify and support those affected.