By Louise Doyle
THE major drugs haul worth an estimated €4 million that washed up on the north Donegal shore last month could be the “tip of the iceberg”, it has been warned.
A multi agency operation got underway following the discovery of the 60kg packages, suspected to have contained cocaine, were recovered following joint searches along the north Donegal/Fanad Head Coastline in July.
Gardaí have this week appealed to Donegal’s coastal and island communities to be “on alert” for unusual activity. They say there is real evidence that the coast is being used for drug importation and that more drugs may be hidden along the coast.
Tom McGill is the new family support worker with the Alcohol Forum in Letterkenny. He said the incident last month is indicative of a rising number of similar incidents around the country.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr McGill said: “What washed up on the shores in Donegal and around the country is the tip of the iceberg. Working in this sector, I can see changes in the type and level of drugs, and it is frightening.
“Whether it’s alcohol, cocaine or heroin, there are family members behind those loved ones who are in active addiction and they live with the fear that they will some day get a knock on the door by someone who delivers the worst possible news about their loved one.”
The Scottish native from Ayrshire, who has worked in addiction for 20 years, took up his role five weeks ago. He offers support to the family members of loved ones who are in active addiction.
“When someone is in addiction they need so much support and often their loved ones can be forgotten about. My role is about giving them a voice because they can often be so wrapped up in the chaotic lifestyle of their loved one that they don’t feel any self-worth. My job is to give the family members a voice.
“People have lost their self identity and worth and they think they are the only one going through what they are going through, in their situation and that they are alone. It is a very hard road to walk. I always tell them that when they walk past a house window and look in, they might see a perfect family but if they were to open the door and go in to the family they would find that that family is also experiencing difficulties.”
Mr McGill said there is demand for the supports he offers. Clients can be referred by Tusla, social workers and even self-refer.
“When there is a referral I reach out to that person and by agreement we meet in a neutral place in place in line with health and safety and risk assessment. I have been in the job for just five weeks and I can see the demand. There is a good support network in Letterkenny and in Donegal. I have found there is more support here for families whose loved ones are in active addiction than in Scotland, but it is all about getting the knowledge out to people that the service exists.”
Anyone who wishes to find out more is asked to contact Alcohol Ireland by telephoning (00353) 74 9125596 or emailing info@alcoholforum.org
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