Drug dealing is an attractive job for youngsters, a report claimed yesterday.
Citywide’s Anna Quigley said the findings by Dr Matt Bowden of the Technological University Dublin are based on the experience of those working with people who are involved in, or risk involvement, in the trade.
She added: “They viewed the local drug economy as a type of work which is made attractive to young people and which recruits their labour based upon incentivising and enticing them.
Children as young as 10 dealing crack cocaine and heroin in Dublin city centre
“[Researchers] see young people’s aspirations channelled into drug selling as an alternative to precarious labour and as a means of accessing consumer goods.
“Providing credit or ‘fronting’ drugs to young people for re-distribution is a widespread practice.
“The research highlights the need for awareness and prevention work to include education on how debt and credit work in the drugs economy.
Over €700,000 worth of drugs seized in west Dublin area following interception of vehicles
Dr Bowden said many young people involved in selling drugs are open to finding alternatives.
He added: “The research identifies the quality of the relationships that young people have with youth workers and drug services, family and other advocates, as crucial to disengagement from the drugs trade.
“We cannot speak about drug markets, distribution and consumption without talking about issues of health, housing, education and training.
Revenue seize drugs and cigarettes in north Dublin and Kildare raids
“The current polydrug markets are providing an alternative stream of income and occupation that appear meaningful for young people and our research participants all stressed the need to create opportunities and pathways to enable young people to make the transitions to both education and labour market participation, with the chance to earn a decent living.
“They also stressed young people involved are neither out of control nor untouchable and that as a society it is worth investing in them and including them.”
