How to identify drug activity in your neighborhood

Drug use and abuse is a growing problem in America and worldwide. Governments using organizations such as the police are not enough to protect people. Each individual, family, and community must take responsibility for their own security. The first step is education – learning how to protect ourselves and others from drug-related problems.

By Mark D. Harris

Drug use and abuse grow ever more deadly across the nation and the world. Tsunamis of opioids, marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, and a host of others flood borders in the US and Europe, carried by an international class of drug mule who will stop at nothing to make money, grow in power, and get a fix. Despite billions of dollars invested in prevention, education, treatment, and law enforcement, drug use disorders and environmental harms are getting worse.[1] Mafias, hostile governments, geopolitics, and corruption come together to keep people enslaved to these substances. For example, the Chinese mafia controls much of the marijuana trade in the US while the Chinese government, always hoping to weaken America, lends a hand.[2] In one example, Oakland police officer Samson Liu owned a house that police raided and found eighty pounds of illegal marijuana.[3]

Most people do not have a drug problem, but we are all still impacted by those that do. Our neighborhoods can become unsafe. What can individuals do to protect themselves from drugs and its consequences, specifically in the places we live? Identifying drug activity in your neighborhood can be challenging, as those involved often try to keep their activities hidden. However, there are various indicators of drug-related activities. Remember that some of these signs could have innocent explanations, so it’s important not to jump to conclusions based on limited information. Report your concerns to local law enforcement rather than investigating yourself.

Unusual foot and vehicular traffic patterns

One of the most common signs of drug activity in a building is frequent, short-duration visits by many different people at all hours of the day and night, particularly late at night or early in the morning. Cars may pull up for a few minutes, but drivers often remain inside the vehicle. Visitors to a drug house commonly come from outside the neighborhood and so will not be recognized by neighbors. People going to a drug house will try to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Additionally, drug sellers and users do things others normally wouldn’t. While most drivers drive through a Walmart parking lot for ten minutes to get to the closest possible parking place, druggies may park near but not at a drug house to allay suspicion.

Suspicious security measures

Drug dealers often implement excessive security measures to protect their operations. They want to prevent people from seeing or going inside. Look for:

1. Unusually reinforced doors or windows
2. Multiple security cameras, floodlights, or surveillance equipment
3. Covered or blacked-out windows. This includes windows with heavy curtains, blinds, and windows blacked out with cardboard or aluminum foil.
4. Guard dogs, especially from aggressive breeds like German shepherds, pit bulls, or boxers.
5. “No Trespassing” signs or other efforts to discourage visitors

Property neglect

While not always the case, drug houses may show signs of neglect as the occupants focus on their illegal activities rather than property maintenance:

1. Overgrown lawns or unkempt exteriors
2. Accumulated trash or discarded items in the yard
3. Deteriorating paint or structural issues left unaddressed
4. Broken windows

Discarded drug paraphernalia

The presence of drug-related items in or around the property can be a strong indicator:

1. Small plastic baggies, often with corners torn off so that users can get the drug (such as cocaine) out.
2. Syringes or needles for intravenous injection.
3. Tin foil with burn marks for smoking
4. Small glass pipes or bongs
5. Rolling papers
6. Unusually large numbers of soda cans, which can be used to cook drugs

These items are often discarded in public places like parks, sidewalks, and alleys.

Unusual odors

Certain drugs, particularly methamphetamine, produce strong chemical odors during production:

1. Ammonia-like smells
2. Sweet or acrid chemical odors
3. Strong solvent or cleaning product smells that seem out of place

Heroin typically smells acidic like vinegar but can be different depending upon the form. Marijuana smells like burned rope when smoked. The smell is powerful enough to be present before lighting a joint and long after smoking it. Methamphetamine smells like burnt plastic, cleaning products, and ammonia. Prescription narcotics like oxycontin have no odor unless burned. On burning, opioids may have a sweet smell.[4]

Occupant behavior

The behavior of the property’s occupants might raise suspicions. Drug house residents may rarely leave the house or appear paranoid when outside. They may entertain a constant stream of visitors but have few long-term guests People selling and using drugs often show signs of drug use, such as erratic behavior or physical deterioration. Finally, they may be overly nervous, secretive, paranoid, or unfriendly with neighbors. They may suddenly withdraw from social interactions. People involved in drugs often avoid eye contact, look around a lot, and act as if they are always in a hurry.

Common behaviors in drug users

1. Changes in attitude, behavior, or mood.
2. Poor performance at school.
3. Changes in social circles or withdrawal from family and friends.
4. Neglecting responsibilities at home or school.
5. Forgoing hobbies and interests.
6. Secretive behavior.
7. Neglecting personal hygiene.
8. Physical signs (e.g., bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils).
9. Changes in sleep patterns.

Financial incongruities

Sometimes, drug dealing activities manifest in unexplained wealth. One would not expect to find a luxury car parked in the driveway of a small house in a poor location. Likewise, most people in underprivileged circumstances can’t afford designer clothing or expensive watches. Large cash transactions for rent or other expenses raise suspicions, as do sudden improvements to the property without clear financial means. Look for people exchanging money in public places and making frequents trips to automated teller machines (ATMs).

Increased criminal activity

Drug houses often attract other forms of criminal behavior. You may notice a spike in local property crimes (vandalism), violence, disturbance, or thefts. You may see known criminals or gang members. The website https://spotcrime.com/ can show you recent crimes in your area. You can get personalized email alerts.

Unusual home modifications

Certain modifications to a property might indicate drug production or distribution. This can include unusual ventilation systems or exhaust fans, modifications to accommodate grow lights (for marijuana cultivation), and covered or blocked windows, especially in basements or attics. Keep in mind that by themselves, these modifications are not enough to accuse someone of growing, selling, or using drugs. Hydroponics, aquaponics, and other types of indoor growing are used for everything from herbs to lettuce. It is the combination of findings that matter. In one case, a heavy-duty generator sat in the laundry room to maximize power.

Atypical utility use

Drug production can lead to unusual patterns in utility consumption. Extremely high electricity bills are often associated with indoor marijuana growing. Indoor farmers, whatever they grow, might have excessive water usage. Unusual patterns of utility service may be noticeable, such as frequent shut-offs or new accounts

Inconsistent tenant behavior

In rental properties, certain tenant behaviors might raise red flags. They may pay their rent in cash, especially large lump sums, and in advance. Tenants often show reluctance to allow property inspections or maintenance visits. Further, tenants growing drugs may more around a lot. Outsiders will see frequent changes in tenants or unexplained additional occupants

Neighborhood changes

The presence of a drug house can impact the surrounding community:

1. Increased foot or vehicle traffic in previously quiet areas
2. A rise in loitering or suspicious gatherings nearby
3. Declining property values in the immediate vicinity

Unusual deliveries

Frequent deliveries of certain items might indicate drug production:

1. Large quantities of cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine (used in methamphetamine production)
2. Unusual amounts of chemical products or lab equipment
3. Frequent package deliveries from unknown sources

Signs of weapons

Drug operations often involve weapons for protection. Neighbors may catch glimpses of firearms or other weapons. They may hear sounds of gunshots or weapons being discharged.

Efforts to mask activities

Drug dealers may try to conceal their operations. They may use lookouts or scouts to watch for law enforcement or nosy neighbors. Be especially suspicious if you see the same people over and over again. They may conduct transactions in cars or other locations away from the main property. Finally, drug dealers and others may use codes or signals to communicate with visitors.

What shall I do?

Remember that the presence of one or even a few of these signs does not definitively prove the existence of a drug house. Many of these indicators could have innocent explanations. For example, a home-based business might have frequent short-term visitors, or a shift worker might have unusual comings and goings. An indoor farmer may be growing legal and legitimate crops.

If you suspect a drug house in your neighborhood, document your observations and report them to local law enforcement or a community tip line. Avoid confronting alleged drug dealers or users directly, as this could be dangerous. Law enforcement agencies have the training, resources, and legal authority to investigate such situations properly and safely.

1. Document Suspicious Activity: Keep a detailed record of what you observe, including dates, times, and descriptions of people and vehicles.
2. Report to Authorities: Contact your local police department or a community hotline to report your observations. Provide as much detail as possible.
3. Stay Anonymous: If you’re concerned about your safety, you can report suspicious activity anonymously.
4. Join a Neighborhood Watch: Participate in or start a neighborhood watch program to work with your neighbors and local law enforcement to keep your community safe.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the signs of drug activity and share this information with your neighbors to raise awareness.

Remember that maintaining a safe community is a collective effort. Staying vigilant, fostering good relationships with neighbors, and supporting community policing efforts can all deter drug-related activities in your neighborhood. However, it’s crucial to balance awareness with respect for privacy and avoid unfounded accusations that could harm innocent individuals or families.

 

[1] https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR_2024/PRESS_RELEASE_2024.pdf.

[2] https://www.npr.org/2024/03/21/1239854106/how-the-chinese-mafia-came-to-control-much-of-the-illicit-marijuana-trade-in-the.

[3] https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/31/us/california-black-market-marijuana-grow-houses-invs/index.html. Mr. Liu has been placed on administrative leave.

[4] Parent’s Guide to What Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, Meth and Other Drugs Smell Like, https://rehabs.com/blog/the-nose-knows-a-parents-guide-to-drug-smells-and-odors/.