With the rise of heroin use in
Washington state and nationwide, DEA has been seeking information about heroin
distributers and drug market activity. It also has been reminding the public
that prescription drugs can be abused.
In the last year, DEA has turned to
texting as a way for citizens to contact them with tips about illegal drug
activity. Throughout the U.S., it has publicized an anonymous way to text tips
to it. To send a text to the DEA, enter 847411 (“TIP411”) then, start your
message with “TIP-DEA.”
All texts are anonymous. The DEA has
contracted with a company called Citizen Observer (https://tip411.com/)
for this texting capability. The system strips away any phone number and other
identifying information before forwarding the text to the DEA. The system also
allows DEA agents to follow up with texts to senders for additional information.
As with many law enforcement agencies,
the DEA is finding ways to use the new methods of communication that have
developed over the years to gather information about criminal activity. Texting
can have an advantage of being discrete, and timely while protecting the
informant from retaliation and keeping his or her privacy. In addition, it is
an appealing way for younger users of smart phones who are used to texting as a
method of communication.
For those who want to use more
traditional methods of passing information to the Seattle Division of the DEA
you can call their tip line at (206) 553-5443 or go online at http://www.dea.gov/ops/submit.php.
Washington’s Most Wanted:
DEA- Seattle:
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