Drug trafficking
The sale and trafficking of illegal drugs can quickly ruin a neighbourhood, lowering property values as it brings with it a criminal element and many associated problems such as the sex trade, break-and-enter crimes and other types of theft.
The Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit and the Ottawa Police Service Crime Unit are very active in the investigation and prosecution of drug abuse and traffickers in the City of Ottawa. You can help them in their efforts by being vigilant in your neighbourhood.
Signs that drugs are being sold in a public place, like a street corner or park include:
- Cars driving slowly and repeatedly in an area
- Money or small packages being exchanged
- Drug paraphernalia at or near the location, such as very small zip-lock plastic baggies, small bundled or twisted pieces of cellophane, small pieces of balloon, hypodermic needles and needle caps or small glass vials or pipes
- Increased levels of prostitution in the neighbourhood
- Suspicious behaviour of individuals you might not know hanging around street corners or open pay phones
- High levels of theft in the surrounding area
If you suspect that drugs are being trafficked in your neighbourhood, you should report it to the police by calling 613-236-1222, ext. 7300. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-8477.
You should always use common sense in situations where illegal activity is taking place and remember never to put yourself in danger. In some cases, if issues are ongoing in your neighbourhood, you can talk to other concerned neighbours and work with them to come up with options to address the problems. Don’t be afraid, however, to call to police when you are not comfortable with a situation in your neighbourhood. The police are your partners in community safety.
