Drug trafficking can cause problems in any environment. While empty houses and parking lots are ideal places for drug dealers to conduct their transactions, they are not the only places where drug trading takes place. Some people sell drugs directly in their homes or even in dead-end streets in cozy suburbs. It's understandable that you want to get rid of this threat from your environment, and there are several things you and your community can do. You should avoid confronting drug dealers head-on, and never take the law into your own hands. You need to work together as a team and remember that it is safer to move in groups.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Identifying Drug Trading Activities in the Surrounding Environment
Step 1. Talk to your neighbors and other homeowners in your area
It will be easier to identify, stop, and prevent drug trafficking in your community if you do it together. Your neighbors may already know what you don't know, and vice versa.
Step 2. Watch for any unusual activity
If you suspect drug trafficking is happening in your area, look for signs. Visitors at odd times, closed windows, and strange smells may be signs of drug trafficking.
- The large number of people walking to and from a house, and wandering around and gathering in an unclear manner, could be a sign that there is hidden illegal activity going on.
- Another suspicious pattern is that many cars stop at the house for a short time and then drive away.
- Other possible signs of drug trafficking include crossing walls and gang activity in the area, although this is not necessarily related to drug activity.
Step 3. Pay attention to the presence of drug paraphernalia
Surprisingly, people can be careless in hiding drug paraphernalia such as syringes and pipes, even when police have been stationed in the neighborhood. If you see and know of the whereabouts of this equipment, contact the police.
If you find evidence of the presence of the drug paraphernalia, "don't" take it or look for other materials. Make a note of where you found the item, the type of drug paraphernalia, on what date and time you found it, then report the details to the police
Step 4. Record as many details as possible
Be careful and don't approach people who are potential drug dealers. You can help the police to take appropriate action by gathering details about observations of drug activity in your neighborhood. If the drug dealer lives near your home, you can log drug trading activity from your own home.
- If you see suspicious vehicle traffic activity, immediately record the license plate number, type and color of the vehicle, as well as the number of times the visit was made.
- If you have suspicions about a particular person, write down a detailed description including the person's height, stature, hair color, and other special characteristics. Don't forget to note down any relevant situations that raise your suspicions.
- If you feel that the situation is dangerous, beware. Don't publicly collect information, take photos, or do anything else that might provoke the drug dealer. Remember: if they operate in your neighborhood, they can know you.
Step 5. Call the police
You can choose not to introduce yourself if you feel more secure that way. Provide the police with as much detail as possible about the situation you have observed: where you believe the drug dealing operation is, what the dealer looks like, when the buyer arrives, how many cars you see, and so on.
- Call from a safe place. Don't call from a place where drug dealers can see or hear. Do not tell the person you suspect is a drug dealer that you are going to call the police.
- Always call the police and let them take care of any drug dealing activities that occur. Trying to stop this criminal activity alone can put yourself or others at risk. This later can also complicate the process of investigating criminal cases related to the activities of buying and selling drugs..
Method 2 of 3: Reducing Drug Trading Activities in Your Neighborhood
Step 1. Start a mobile security system (siskamling)
Siskamling is usually very successful in eradicating drug dealers from your environment. Siskamling can reduce criminal activity by creating an environment where drug trading activities cannot take place in a conducive manner. However, it is very important to work closely with the police so that the siskamling officers are well trained and well informed.
- Put up a board and notify the presence of siskamling in your neighborhood. Knowing that your neighborhood is under surveillance will make drug dealers move from your neighborhood to less controlled areas.
- Never try to catch a drug dealer yourself. This can lead to a dangerous situation or even take a person's life.
Step 2. Form a “blocking club
“Working with all members of your ward will be more efficient than doing it alone. Historically, thug clubs have had a tremendous impact on getting rid of drug dealers in your neighborhood.
- Work with your neighbors and organize “positive activities,” so members can do positive things such as sweeping streets, picking up trash, and doing other activities near drug dealers. The presence of the community can prevent drug dealers from operating in public places.
- Go to community gatherings. Many communities have security training, police meetings, and other events and activities you can do to learn how to keep your neighborhood safe.
Step 3. Have a discussion to discuss the problem carefully
If you live in a harsh environment, it may be safer to avoid meeting security guards or security clubs in the neighborhood. Choose a public place such as a place of worship or community center, or a small local business place. Even meetings that are only a few blocks away can keep you and your members safer.
Avoid meeting in one member's house, as this can make one member a target for drug dealers to take revenge
Step 4. Get information about local facilities
Areas such as vacant land are prime areas for drug dealers. Contact local authorities and ask if the place can be converted into a park or children's play area. Your community may be able to help make the place more beautiful. Eliminating potential dealing spots will help drive dealers out of your neighborhood.
Step 5. Contact the owner of the property
If the place you believe the drug trade is taking place is a rental, contact the person who owns the property so they can take immediate action.
If you don't know who is in charge of the property, the local tax company can usually provide you with information about the owner, landlord, or administrator of the property
Step 6. Contact the city government about issues in your neighborhood
Things like broken street lights, neglected vehicles, and low fences can provide opportunities for drug dealers to thrive. Doing something like repairing streetlights and transporting neglected vehicles is a small act, but it has a big impact.
Step 7. Introduce a security program to get rid of drug dealers
Many local law enforcement agencies work with communities on specific programs, such as Stop the Crime and the “drug dealer eradication” program to get rid of drug trafficking. Ask how to work with these programs to ensure everyone's safety.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Drug Trading Activities in Your Neighborhood
Step 1. Increase community spirit
Drug dealers look for places in neighborhoods where people don't talk to each other and are isolated from each other. This can make it easier for drug dealers to intimidate people who know their whereabouts. A strong, active, and positive community is one of the best deterrents for drug dealers.
Organizing activities such as cookouts, neighborhood celebrations, and other events can get you to know the people in your neighborhood and strengthen your community
Step 2. Work closely with micro business owners, local companies, and places of worship
See if they can help clean and update storefronts and parking lots. This makes it possible to hire people who may become drug addicts.
Step 3. Develop a youth community in your neighborhood
Sometimes, young people get caught up in drugs because they don't see a better option. A youth community can provide young people with alternative activities and opportunities.
Work with local churches, businesses, social services, and the police to provide resources and training. Teenagers can be very effective anti-drug ambassadors for other teenagers
Step 4. Organize a drug education program in your neighborhood
Schools, places of worship, and the police usually have resources that can help you organize drug prevention events to educate the public about the dangers of drug use, and how to prevent drug trafficking in your community.
Tips
- Children need other alternatives to drugs. So, work with your community to ensure quality opportunities for them.
- Keep in mind that things like crossing a wall of behavior that may seem foreign to you, and even gang activity don't mean you're dealing with drug dealers in your neighborhood. You need to be vigilant, but don't jump to conclusions.
Warning
- Always let the police deal with potential drug dealers. Attempting to apprehend a suspect alone can result in danger or even death to yourself or others.
- Use common sense when you are dealing with suspected drug trafficking activities. Don't threaten drug dealers directly and don't do anything that makes you feel insecure. Don't provoke the person to take revenge.
