Possessing, using, manufacturing and selling certain substances are all against the law. Engaging in these activities with any controlled or prohibited substance violates Florida state law and federal law.
Individuals engaged in the drug trade or struggling with substance abuse typically try to hide those matters from other people, especially law enforcement. Police officers learn to look for subtle signs of drug use and drug trafficking and to connect the dots to build a case against someone.
Unfortunately, sometimes, police officers will come to suspect innocent individuals of drug-related criminal activity because they associate specific behaviors with drug use or trafficking. What habits might bring you to the attention of local police?
Having an active social life or a home business
If a lot of people come in and out of your house, especially if they come one at a time and one after the other, that traffic may look suspicious to law enforcement. While you may just have frequent visits with friends or have people coming by so that you can cut their hair, it may look like something more nefarious to a police officer.
Throwing out chemicals and containers in large amounts
Maybe you just opened your pool for the season, or perhaps you paint for a living and need to use certain chemicals for your profession. Throwing out large quantities of chemical containers and certain household items, like acetone, can draw the attention of neighbors and also law enforcement officers.
They associate certain chemicals with drug manufacturing. Even throwing out two years’ worth of formula containers that you just learned you couldn’t recycle might look suspicious.
Failing to take care of your yard
If you let your lawn grow out of control, it will draw the attention of everyone who drives by. Unkempt lawns have an association with derelict properties and drug houses. Police officers might think that no one actually lives in the home and that they instead manufacture or distribute illegal substances there.
Identifying behaviors that attract unnecessary scrutiny can help you avoid allegations of criminal misconduct, like drug charges.