DUBLIN, Ireland: Children as young as seven are being targeted by criminal gangs in parts of Ireland and trained to carry drugs and money.

This was revealed in an RTÉ Prime Time program, which spoke to former young people involved in the drug trade and workers helping affected communities, including areas near O'Connell Bridge, over several weeks.

In one inner-city area, the report said teenagers on e-scooters were seen openly carrying out drug deals during the day, while others acted as lookouts to warn them about approaching police.

The program also interviewed young people who had been drawn into the drug trade at an early age.

One of them, called Jonathon, explained that gangs use children and vulnerable people because they are less likely to be suspected. He said that when people see a child with a backpack in the morning, they assume the child is going to school. But in some cases, the child may be carrying drugs, such as large amounts of cocaine, to deliver.

Jonathon, now in his late teens, said children as young as seven or eight are being used to carry drugs and related items.

People working in schools have also raised concerns about the issue with politicians. Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly said teachers in Drogheda told her that young children are being used to carry drugs in their school bags up to school gates, and older children, around nine or ten, are then made to sell drugs.

She said this is very worrying because gangs are targeting vulnerable children and their families.

After reviewing hidden camera footage from the program, criminologist Trina O'Connor said the situation is very disturbing, especially because of how young the children are. She said many are being drawn into serious crime and that it is shocking to see such young children openly involved in drug dealing.

RTÉ reporter Conor McMorrow will highlight growing concerns among community workers, teachers, and policymakers about how organized crime groups are exploiting children and how youth involvement in the drug trade is becoming more visible in the program airing on June 4.