What Happens If I Report a Drug Dealer?
In This Article
Awareness-building within communities is the best way to reduce drug use and circulation. This is why various local and national agencies are available to respond to threats of drug-related activities in your neighborhood.
However, people fear reporting drug users and distributors for numerous reasons. Knowing the safest avenues when taking action against drug-related crimes can go a long way.
This blog covers the importance of reporting drug-related activities, their repercussions in the community, and how to report illicit activities to the authorities safely.
What Happens if I Report a Drug Dealer?
When you report drug dealing, an officer will verify your claim by observing and collecting the necessary evidence to present in court. If the officer confirms that the suspected drug activity is legitimate, they will arrest and charge the perpetrator following local legislation.
Will There be Legal Implications or Protection for the Reporter?
Depending on your state, you may receive protection when you report drug activity through the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). However, protection extends only to federal employees who report suspected drug activity within their agencies.
Suppose you perceive an immediate threat to your life or the lives of others. In that case, entering the witness protection program is possible, which provides relocation, identity changes, and other security measures.
Your record may receive a possible violation if you misperceive a situation and file a false police report.
Can Reporting Lead to Rewards or Compensation?
In some cases, reporting drug deals or providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in drug-related crimes can result in rewards or compensation. Law enforcement agencies or government organizations often set up these incentives to encourage individuals to come forward with information that helps combat illegal drug activities.
The reward criteria vary by jurisdiction and the case’s specific circumstances. National organizations that offer compensation when you report drug dealing include:
- Crime Stoppers
- Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP)
- Federal Informant Reward Program by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Some law enforcement agencies use assets seized from drug-related criminal operations to fund reward programs.
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Things to Consider Before Reporting Drug Activity
If you suspect drug activity in your area, it’s best to have as much information as possible before contacting the police.
To present accurate tip details to authorities, include the following information:
- The date and time you witnessed the possible drug activity
- The street address where you saw the deal occur
- A thorough description of anyone involved (number of people, physical attributes, how often they appear, known names or aliases)
- Details about related vehicles (make and model, license plate)
How Can You Ensure Your Safety When Reporting?
Fortunately, you can ensure personal safety through anonymous tips. You should also refrain from discussing this information with others. If you suspect your identity may be compromised, consider staying with a family member while waiting for the authorities to respond.
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How Can You Report a Drug Dealer or Activity?
There are several ways to report a drug dealer:
- Over the phone
- Through a mobile application
- In-person, at your police department
- Online platforms
Official Avenues for Reporting Criminal Drug-Related Activity
If you see someone selling illicit/misused drugs or prescription medication, you can report them through these official avenues:
- Crime Stoppers: This national organization connects local programs nationwide and allows witnesses to report drug activity online without providing personal information.
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Individuals can submit tips for the distribution and trafficking of controlled substances through the DEA’s website. In Indiana, INSPECT tracks controlled substance prescriptions except methadone, which appears in the Lighthouse Central Registry.
- Local Police: It’s best to report immediate threats involving illegal substances to your local law enforcement authority to prevent severe injury or death.
When reporting illegal activity, you must prioritize your safety and well-being. In certain situations, it may be best to report drug activity anonymously.
Can You Report Drug Activity Anonymously?
If you prefer not to disclose personal information, you can make an anonymous phone call.
Here’s how to make an anonymous phone call to report drug activity:
- Call your local police department.
- Use an anonymous reporting system like a dedicated hotline, website, or mobile application.
- Prepare the appropriate information. If using a website, answer the online form as thoroughly as possible.
- Receive a report number, which you can use to receive updates and potential rewards.
Common Concerns and Questions on Reporting Drug-Related Activities
Is it always safe to report a drug dealer?
It isn’t always safe to report a drug dealer, especially if they are involved in other crimes. Fortunately, you can remain anonymous when contacting several channels handled by the authorities.
How can you ensure your report leads to action?
The best way to achieve legal prosecution against a criminal is to provide as much information as possible. Even if you anonymously report suspicious activity and can’t be reached afterward, it’s imperative to provide enough resources and evidence to get a conviction.
Can there be legal repercussions for false reports?
You can receive a violation if you mistake suspicious activity for something else. Gathering as much information as possible before reporting suspected drug dealing is best.
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Why is Reporting Drug Activity Important?
Reporting drug activity is important because it helps guarantee the safety of others who live near where the activity is taking place.
Landlords knowingly housing drug dealers can become subject to imprisonment, sizable fines, and community service. Depending on the severity of the activity, an estate owner can risk their building’s condemnation.
Besides the legal implications of having drug dealers in the neighborhood, there are also wider implications of inaction toward drug dealing in the community.
Increased Crime Rates Due to Drug Dealing
Substance use in the United States costs $740 billion yearly. Drug trafficking forces communities to fund more police officers to manage violent crime, leading to property loss due to poor neighborhood reputation.7
Increased Risk of Displaced Families from Drug and Criminal Activity
Drug dealing also leads to negative societal costs, as 70% of neglected and abused children come from homes with drug and criminal activity.1,6 Social service child welfare programs cost $23 billion yearly—not nearly enough to support displaced children.8
Economic Consequences of Drug Dealing
Employees using and selling drugs can make costly errors and incur healthcare costs that negatively impact a company’s insurance policies.2 Even minor drug activity can contribute to the nation’s astronomical drug use costs (roughly $11 billion yearly).3,4
In 2022, roughly 7.7 billion emergency department visits were drug-related.5 Thus, addiction prevention and reporting drug activity is the most effective way to reduce drug-related costs.
What Other Resources are Available for Substance Abuse Concerns?
If a friend or family member misuses controlled substances, many treatment options are available to help them. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, addiction treatment produces a savings-to-cost ratio of 12 to 1 regarding crime and healthcare.4
Many states have community programs to rehabilitate addicted individuals, providing opportunities for reintegration into society.
Summary
Drug dealers and street-level drug dealing can lead to severe socioeconomic consequences within a community. Because dealers are often involved in other crimes, civilians may feel discouraged from going to the authorities.
Fortunately, you can anonymously report suspicious activity through the phone, online, or with a mobile application. Groups like Crime Stoppers have mitigated the fear and risk of taking action against dangerous activities.
If you know someone suffering from addiction, the best action is to consider treatment options with help from addiction specialists.
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- Johnson et al. “Substance Abuse Disorders among Homeless and Runaway Adolescents.” Journal of Drug Issues, 2005.
- Jalali et al. “Economic evaluation in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network: Past, present, and future.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2020.
- “New research examines the cost of crime in the U.S., estimated to be $2.6 trillion in a single year.” Vanderbilt University, 2021.
- Miller, T. and Henry, D. “Substance Abuse Prevention Dollars and Cents: A Cost-Benefit Analysis.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2008.
- “Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN): Findings from Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2022.
- French et al. “Economic evaluation of a prerelease substance abuse treatment program for repeat criminal offenders.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2010.
- Bah, Y.M. “Drug Abuse among Street Children. Clinical research in HIV AIDS and prevention.” Journal of Clinical Research in HIV, AIDS, and Prevention, 2018.
- McCollister et al. “The cost of crime to society: New crime-specific estimates for policy and program evaluation.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2010.
- Pidd, K., and Roche, A.M. “How effective is drug testing as a workplace safety strategy? A systematic review of the evidence.” Accident Analysis and Prevention, 2014.
