Call 911 when you see drug dealing in progress outdoors, on the street or in a public area.

Call a police precinct when you suspect drug dealing but don't see it.

Find a police precinct

Notes

• If you see or suspect drug dealing, follow the recommendations above. For your safety and the safety of others, do not approach people about their activities.
• It’s important to distinguish between disruptive or odd behavior and drug activity. The following are not indicators of drug activity:
  • A person's racial or ethnic background
  • A person's economic status
  • A person's lifestyle

Signs of drug activity

It can be hard to know for sure that what you're seeing involves drugs. Some patterns may indicate drug activity:

• High traffic
  A large amount of traffic coming to the building - in cars, taxis, or walking - often at strange hours. Visitors may sometimes pound on doors or shout to be let in. This traffic is usually quick, with people staying only a short time. Sometimes they do not go in at all; instead, someone comes out to meet them.
• Drug paraphernalia 
  Drugs or drug paraphernalia such as syringes or pipes in the area.
• Repeated exchanges of items for money
  Repeated, observable exchanges of items, especially where money is visible.
• Drug conversations
  Offers to sell you drugs, or conversations about drugs that you overhear.
• Noxious odors
  Noxious odors from or around the building, such as musty smells.
• Unusual building activity
  Buildings where extreme security measures seem to be being taken. Or buildings where no owner or primary renter is apparent, and no home activities, yard work or maintenance seem to be going on.