The scale of the drugs problem in many communities in Northern Ireland contributes to the continued existence of paramilitary groups, MPs have been told.
Professor Marie Breen-Smyth, the Independent Reviewer of the Justice and Security Act, said some paramilitaries face pressure from communities to deal with drug dealers because of the lack of action taken by police.
Ms Breen-Smyth was giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which is investigating the effects of paramilitary activity and organised crime in the region.
