DRUG dealers in Laois are now targeting school children. The damning claims were made in a report published this week.
Disturbing details emerged from a study released yesterday (Monday) by the Midlands Regional Drugs Task Force, which also says the county has a “well established” drug market.
The Laois town where the study was carried out has not been named in the report but its authors say it has a population of between 10,000 and 15,000.
Researchers were told that drug dealing is taking place openly in public areas, but, more worryingly, around schools. It is claimed that “in some cases” primary school children are being offered drugs on the street.
“The situation has worsened in schools in recent years, with even primary school children now aware of drugs and of their effects and, in some cases, being offered them in the street,” stated the report.
During their interviews, the authors of the report said: “It was a common perception that teenagers and young people could easily access drugs near schools, apparently targeted by drug dealers.”
In addition, there appears to be a shocking tolerance by some parents who allow underage drinking and cannabis smoking in their homes.
One person who took part in the study told researchers that most types of drugs are now readily available by picking up a phone and placing an order. He said: “Anything – crack, heroin, coke, ecstasy, acid, speed, whatever you want. Just ring a number and they will tell you where to go.”
Others who took part in the study felt that drug use was not confined to certain socio-economic classes or to any particular area in the Laois town.
Drug-related crime was also reported as an issue in the study. One family member said: “He sold gear to feed his own habit. He robbed. He’d take your purse just for the money for heroin.”
The study also found that the numbers attending for drug treatment in Laois fluctuated over the four years under review from 2004 to 2007.
One parent who tried to support her son off drugs told of the emotional strain on the entire family.
“He was on heroin and I detoxed him on my own. I locked the doors and I cried and I watched him on his knees vomiting his guts up.”