The investigation of vice and drug related activities in the City of Anderson area is the responsibility of the Anderson Police Department's Vice/Narcotics Division. The Division consists of a lieutenant, sergeant, and 5 investigators. Our mission is to work with the community and other law enforcement agencies as well as other Divisions within the Department. Our Division is a "pro-active" type of law enforcement and can only be successful if its efforts are supported by the citizens of Anderson. The Vice/Narcotics Division utilizes community input and involvement as well as other agencies' and officers' information to assess problem areas within the City.
The most common types of drugs seized in the City of Anderson include marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine. Other less common drugs include but are not limited to, heroin, LSD, and the so called date rape drugs Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol. These types of drugs have been in existence for a long time but the popularity and abuse have continued to increase significantly. The long-term effects of these drugs lead to addiction and the potential of overdose is extremely high.
Drug assets include cash, vehicles, houses, businesses, jewelry, and any other direct proceeds from the sale of drugs. The Division traces drug dealers' assets and coordinates with the seizure attorney in the solicitor's office and the courts. The Division conducts auctions on a periodic basis to dispose of seized assets. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend these auctions.
Training is important in all aspects of policing. Due to the fact that the Vice/Narcotics Division is a specialized Division, Narcotics Investigators need to be trained to investigate drug and vice related incidents. This training focuses on undercover investigations, surveillance techniques, case investigation, as well as drug analysis training. Most of the training is administered through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and/or schools that provide this type of training.
We use citizen complaints, anonymous calls, calls for service, as well as cooperating individuals to identify subjects or areas that have illegal drug activity. Our Division is responsible for apprehending subjects engaged in drug trafficking, prostitution, gambling, illegal liquor, and any type of organized criminal activity. When these areas or individuals are identified, we begin to build cases that will be prosecuted by either the Municipal Court, Tenth Judicial Circuit, and/or the Federal Judicial District of South Carolina.
The information that is most valuable in reporting suspected narcotics violations are a complete address, a complete description of the subjects involved to include name, gender, race, approximate age or date of birth, height, weight, hair color and distinguishing traits. Other information that is necessary includes any vehicle information (make, model, color, year, vehicle registration) as well as time frame of suspicious activity (specific times like 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM).
If you would like to give information about drugs being sold or someone who is selling drugs, please call us at 864-231-2289. If information provided leads to an arrest and conviction you may be eligible for a reward. All information will remain confidential.
Narcotics Investigators are available to come to your community meeting, business, and school to give presentations on drug abuse, drug recognition, and enforcement.
The best tool for the fight against illegal drugs is knowledge. Knowledge of the different types of drugs that an individual can encounter as well as the abuse of both prescription drugs and illegal narcotics is of the utmost importance to prevent abuse and addiction. The Drug Enforcement Administration provides a significant amount of information focusing on the different types of drugs in our society today. Click on the following website to view the definitions and facts of the most common drugs and their use and abuse.
www.dea.gov/concern/concern.htm
Here are just a few websites.For further information about how to talk to your kids about drugs, contact the City of Anderson Police Department.
(800) 729-6686