The North Down MLA said: “Understanding the prevalence of drug-related intimidation in our society is essential for building safer communities for all across Northern Ireland. This research is sobering, highlighting the lengths that paramilitary groups and organised crime gangs will go to leverage substance dependency in vulnerable individuals for their own benefit.
"This report reveals that over the last three years, one in eight people have had direct experience of drug-related intimidation, with almost forty per cent of the general population aware of suspected or real drug-related intimidation occurring in their community.
"This is appalling, but sadly, not shocking. Whether financial extortion, sexual violence, blackmail or property damage, this report reminds us of the devastating hold these gangs have to coerce different groups of vulnerable individuals into criminal activity.
"All members of the Executive must work together to provide a holistic and compassionate response to these issues. We must coordinate with and support statutory partners to help end the cycles of fear, addiction and criminality that continue to persist.”
"This report reveals that over the last three years, one in eight people have had direct experience of drug-related intimidation, with almost forty per cent of the general population aware of suspected or real drug-related intimidation occurring in their community.
"This is appalling, but sadly, not shocking. Whether financial extortion, sexual violence, blackmail or property damage, this report reminds us of the devastating hold these gangs have to coerce different groups of vulnerable individuals into criminal activity.
"All members of the Executive must work together to provide a holistic and compassionate response to these issues. We must coordinate with and support statutory partners to help end the cycles of fear, addiction and criminality that continue to persist.”