Sean Reinhardt, a former Independent councilor, spoke to Damien about the cocaine crisis in Waterford.

He says he has been approached too many times to remember in relation to drug debts in the City.

Sean believes the problem has only gotten worse in the last number of years. He believes a debate on how to tackle the situation should be had.

The two discuss the effects of decriminalising drugs because according to Sean prohibition clearly has not been working, and it would free up a lot of resources within the country.

He said drugs used to be confined to specific areas but that now they are everywhere and every family knows someone who has been affected by drugs.

Cocaine is affecting people on all parts of the social spectrum and can almost be compared to the heroin epidemic of the 1980s.

Escaping drug debt is extremely difficult and many drug users often find themselves becoming drug dealers to pay their bill.

It is easy for drug debt to spiral out of control, and dealers often use violence as a way to send a message to their customers.

Damien and Sean say that people don't go to the Guards for help in relation to drugs because they don't believe the Guards have any power over the situation, despite having a unit specifically for drugs.

As well as this, if you are seen speaking to the Guards, you may be branded as a "rat" and be in even more danger.

To hear the full discussion, click the link in this podcast.

For more Déise podcasts, click here.