THE people of Cork were no longer willing to tolerate drug dealers and would do everything possible within the law to oppose them, the city's Lord Mayor, Mr Joe O'Callaghan, has said.
Speaking at the launch of Cork Corporation's drug prevention campaign last night, Mr O'Callaghan said the drug dealers numbered no more than a few dozen, yet, if not stopped, they would determine the future for thousands of young people.
"I have a message for them tonight. We despise and loath you and we will beat you," he said.
"I want to say to the drug dealers - we may be frightened of you but we are not afraid of you. We are determined to oppose you and will do anything in our power, within the law, to ensure that your day is over here in Cork."
Earlier in the week, the corporation announced details of a £45,000 anti drugs campaign, the first of its kind by a local authority, involving gardai, the business community and the health services.
The campaign will include school visits by experts in the field, the delivery of information packs to homes in the city and a video aimed at 12 to 15 year olds.