Drug Houses in my neighborhood

Drugs are a problem of society.  The use and abuse of drugs crosses all parts of society.   Age, race, sex, income, they don't matter. What does matter is what happens when drugs affect you.  Sometimes it's directly as a result of a friend or family member who falls under the influence of it's control.  Sometimes it affects your neighborhood.  If drug abuse crosses all societal boundaries, so do those who make and sell drugs.  If you suspect someone in your neighborhood is making or selling drugs, here are some resources available for you.

What Can I Do?

• The first thing to do is to trust your instincts. Since you live in your neighborhood, you are the first one likely to see something that looks out of the ordinary. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, you're probably on to something.
• The most important thing you can do is document the type of activity that has created your suspicion. Of course, what's suspicious?
• What should you be looking for if you suspect someone is dealing or manufacturing drugs?
• Traffic- Foot and vehicle traffic will likely be more than usual to the location.
• Length of visit- Those stopping by want to get in and out quickly.
• Time of Visit- Traffic can be cyclical with busy and quiet times. It is usually consistent.
• Discarded equipment- Don't go through your neighbors garbage, however chemical bottles, lithium batteries, large numbers of cold tablet containers or paint accessories can be an indication of drug manufacturing.

What to Look For?

• Unusual gardening habits.
• Inside ‘'hot houses” with large “grow lights”.  
• Drug paraphernalia.
• Sometimes people can't wait to get out of the neighborhood to use their drugs.
• Increase in neighborhood crime. Car prowls, thefts and burglaries sometime increase as buyers look for items to trade with their local drug dealers.

Who Are You Going To Call?

First and foremost, call.   If you don't, the likelihood of change diminshes.  The police department is only as good as the information we are provided from citizens of our community.  Therefore, we actively encourage reports such as this.  Citizens can call the main office of the police department, (509) 585-4208, the non-emergency report number, (509) 628 0333, of Crime Stoppers,

(509) 586- TIPS (8477)/(800) 222-8477.

The more information and the better the information, the greater the chance of closing the suspected drug house down.  Times, dates,  vehicle license numbers and descriptions are all important to the investigation.  The more specific the information the better.  Don’t put yourself or others at risk by trying to gather information.   Just jot down what you see, when you see it.   And remember, trust your instincts.  They have helped you survive this long.  This may be a good time to get your neighbors together and form a Neighborhood Watch as well.  Remember there is safety in numbers.


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For more information, check out any of the links below:


National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information                  http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/

Tri-Cities Crime Stoppers                                                               www.tricitiescrimestoppers.org

Non Emergency Police Assistance

(509) 628-0333

Kennewick Police Department

211 W 6th Ave

P.O. Box 6108

Kennewick, WA 99336-0108

Email:   kpdinfo@ci.kennewick.wa.us

Crime Prevention

(509) 582-1351

Email:   mike-blatman@ci.kennewick.wa.us