6 Key Factors Police Use to Identify Drug Dealers | Law Offices of William V. Pernik

Ever wonder what makes police suspect someone of drug dealing versus personal use? It’s not just the drugs themselves. Law enforcement officers are trained to spot specific indicators that suggest commercial activity. Knowing these red flags can help you avoid inadvertently appearing like a dealer.

Here are 6 key things police look for:

Quantity and Packaging of Drugs: The more drugs you possess, and especially if they’re divided into individual baggies, bindles, or bottles (for pills), the more likely police will suspect you’re selling. A large, singular stash is more indicative of personal use.
Possession of a Scale: Carrying a scale immediately raises a red flag. Police view scales as tools for weighing product for sale, even if you claim it’s for measuring your own purchases.
Sales-Related Communications: Your electronic devices are a goldmine for police. Text messages, voicemails, or any digital communication discussing drug sales, prices, or coded language for drugs (e.g., “Molly” for Ecstasy) will be seen as strong evidence of dealing.
“Pay/Owe” Sheets or Transaction Records: Any form of ledger, even a simple piece of paper with names and amounts (“John $25, Mary $10”), will be interpreted by police as a record of drug transactions. Be careful what notes you carry if you also possess drugs.
Packaging Material: Having an abundance of small baggies, plastic bags that can be easily torn into bindles, or other common drug packaging materials suggests you’re preparing drugs for sale, not just for personal consumption.
Large Amounts of Small Denomination Currency: Carrying a significant amount of cash, particularly in smaller bills, can indicate you’re a merchant who needs to make change from sales, much like a regular retail business.

Understanding these indicators is crucial. Even if you’re only possessing drugs for personal use, having multiple “red flags” can unfortunately lead police to believe you’re involved in drug dealing, potentially landing you in serious legal trouble.