Up to a thousand people turned out last night for a public meeting to tackle drug abuse in Roscrea in County Tipperary.
The meeting was organised by a local man - Derek Russell - who wants residents, gardaí, local politicians and sports groups to work together against the problem.
It follows an increase in anti-social behaviour and drug related deaths in the town.
Derek Russell says the local people can do their part to stop drug dealing in Roscrea.
"The ten and 12 -year-old now are being led into the drugs game and underage drinking and whatever - it's to try and get to them young people and show them that your life will never be the same again if you get involved in these activities," he said.
Gardaí, meanwhile, have warned locals not to take the law into their own hands.
"There has been a small element of that," local Superintendent Bob Noonan told Tipp FM. "I don't think it's going to be an issue."