The first ever non-Garda confidential telephone line aimed at tackling drug dealing has been launched in Dublin.
The civilian run Blanchardstown local drugs taskforce has launched its own confidential telephone line in the hope that members of the public will ring in and offer information about increased drug dealing in the area.
Any information will be passed on to gardaí for them to act upon as they see fit. Those operating the new line will, unlike Garda lines, not request the caller's name, will not record the call and will never attempt to trace the call.
Chairman of the drugs task force Philip Keegan said he believed some members of the public who had information on drug dealing were reluctant to ring a Garda-run telephone line. The latest initiative represents an alternative for such people.
"This is about getting the big dealers up the line, the people who supply dangerous drugs. It's not about targeting vulnerable young people."
Anybody with information is asked to contact the new community confidential phoneline on 1800-940 320.
