The first ever non-Garda confidential phone line to tackle drug dealing was launched in Blanchardstown in Dublin this afternoon.
Launched by the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Taskforce, the service - on 1800 940 320 - aims to crack down on drug dealing in the area by encouraging people to report any suspicious behaviour. Relevant information will then be passed on to gardaí.
The freephone line will be open around the clock until June 13 thand callers are assured of complete confidentiality. They will not be asked to give their names and phone numbers will not be recorded.
Speaking at the launch today, Mr Philip Keegan, Chair of the Local Drugs Taskforce said the phone line was about "getting to the big dealers up the line."
"These dealers are the ones who are devastating innocent lives and destroying communities. People don't feel safe. People are frustrated," he said.
The co-ordinator of the Local Drugs Taskforce Joe Doyle said the phone line was not designed to replace direct contact with gardaí.
"Some people are unwilling or unable to phone the gardaí. This freephone is not about replacing direct contact with the gardaí - it just gives people another option," he said.
"We don't expect the callers to have witnessed drug dealing first hand. And something which appears insignificant could be the missing piece of the jigsaw for the gardaí. Local people hear things. Children talk to parents. Some people are unable or unwilling to contact the Gardai. Now, we'll ensure the Gardaí get the information and we'll monitor what happens after that," he added.