WLR is joining forces with Waterford Gardaí to launch WISE UP!, a new public awareness campaign encouraging people across Waterford city and county to think more seriously about illegal drug use, recreational drug taking and the consequences of buying drugs.

Launching today, Thursday, 5th November, WLR will air a series of messages designed to challenge attitudes towards drug use and highlight the wider consequences of what some people regard as harmless recreational activity.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple message: Every time someone buys illegal drugs, they are putting money into a criminal trade.

While much of the public conversation around drugs focuses on dealers, organised crime and drug-related intimidation, WLR and Waterford Gardaí want to turn the spotlight on those who create the demand.

Whether it’s someone taking drugs on a night out, at a house party, at a social gathering or occasionally at weekends, the campaign will challenge people to consider where their money is going and what they may be helping to fund.

A particular focus will be the connection between recreational drug purchases and the criminal networks involved in drug-debt intimidation.

The campaign will also challenge the perception that drug use is confined to particular areas or sections of society. Recreational drug taking crosses social and economic boundaries, and the campaign will encourage everyone, including professionals and occasional users, to examine their own choices.

The WISE UP! campaign begins on WLR on Thursday, 5th November 2026, with new messages broadcast every week.

WLR and An Garda Síochána – asking Waterford to Wise up when it comes to drugs.