Ministers of Justice and Health welcome landmark report on Drug-Related Intimidation in Northern Ireland

The Ministers of Justice and Health have welcomed the publication of today's landmark report on Drug-Related Intimidation (DRI) in Northern Ireland, which offers the most comprehensive analysis to date of the nature, prevalence and impact of DRI across the region.

The report, produced by the Public Health Agency and commissioned by the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), reveals the widespread and complex nature of DRI, which affects individuals, families, and entire communities.  The report reveals that:

• Nearly 40% of the general population are aware of suspected or real DRI occurring in their community;
• One in eight reported direct experience in the last three years. 

The findings highlight the harms caused by the often complicated relationship between drug debt, organised crime, paramilitary groups, and social vulnerability.  It portrays the devastating effects of intimidation on young people, families, and communities, and outlines the urgent need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral response.

Speaking today, Justice Minister Naomi Long, and lead Minister for the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime said:

“Drug-related intimidation is a deeply corrosive force in our society. It preys on vulnerability, fuels fear and undermines the very fabric of our communities. This report lays bare the scale and complexity of the challenge we face, and it demands action.

“As Minister of Justice, I am committed to working with all sectors including health, housing, education, and community organisations to deliver a joined-up response”.

The Minister also praised the voices of victims, families, and frontline workers featured in the report:

“Their courage and insight must guide our policy and practice. We must confront the stigma that isolates victims and perpetuates harm. It is no easy task but together, we can build a Northern Ireland where drug related intimidation and its pernicious effects have no place”.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Substance use has a real and lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities right across Northern Ireland. Not only are there the direct mental and physical harms, but people who use drugs often face stigma, prejudice, and intimidation – and we know this causes further harm as fewer people come forward for treatment and support. These issues are often unseen and unaddressed, leading to a spiral of substance use, exploitation, and being pulled into criminal activity.

“This collaborative scoping study, for the first time, brings together information, statistics, and, importantly, lived experience of drug related intimidation. The output should be compulsory reading for all across Government. This is only the start of the journey, we now need to use it to inform our collective response, and plans are underway to consider how best to embed a holistic and compassionate response.”

Notes to editors:

1. The report defines DRI in the NI context in two ways. 

• Disciplinary DRI refers to threats or pressure used by drug distributors, paramilitary groups, and organised crime groups, whether or not they are directly involved in drug markets, to enforce certain rules or expectations. This can include trying to control who gets involved in drug activity, discouraging people from sharing information with authorities or others, and recovering unpaid drug debts or other types of debt.
• Successional DRI refers to actions aiming to expand influence or control over drug markets which either support or oppose drug market operations.  It is used by individuals and organisations who are involved and not involved in drug distribution to: recruit new members; seize control of drug distribution networks or territory; eliminate rivals, including other drug distributors and/or organisations involved or not involved in the drug trade and/or those opposing drug market involvement within the community.

2. The Public Health Agency was tasked to undertake a scoping review to how to best to respond to drug related intimidation in NI. A clear explanation of drug-related intimidation (DRI) has been developed by looking at the available evidence and data. This work also explores what increases or reduces the risk of being affected by DRI, and looks at practical ways to reduce the harm it causes to people who use drugs, their families, and their communities.

Rather than just dealing with the problem after it happens, this approach looks at the bigger picture, including how health services, education, and community support can help prevent harm and improve safety and wellbeing.

3. The full report is available to download from the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime website: https://www.endingtheharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Drug-related-Intimidation-Report-Tagged.pdf

4. The Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC) is an ambitious, multi-disciplinary and transformational change programme working to deliver the NI Executive's priority of addressing the challenging issues associated with paramilitarism in Northern Ireland. 

5. The Programme focuses on stopping harm in the here and now as well as putting in place early interventions to ensure future generations are not exploited or traumatised through paramilitary coercion, control and violence.

6. Northern Ireland's Substance Use Strategy, “Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery” acknowledges the intimidation, violence and threats that those people who use drugs and their families can face, and seeks to work collaboratively to address the issue. The strategy is available at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/preventing-harm-empowering-recovery-substance-use-strategy