Police Department Asks Drug Dealers to Turn In Their Competition

Police in a northern Chicago suburb have taken an unusual route when it comes to apprehending drug dealers -- They’re asking drug dealers to turn in their competition.

Skokie police put out a flier this week telling drug dealers police could “take your competition off the streets for free.”

“Is your drug dealing competition costing you money?” the ad read. “Would you like to eliminate the problem? We can help!!”

The flier then directs drug dealers to report their competition by filling out a form, providing police with the alleged dealer’s name, address, phone number, or where they sell drugs. Dealers can then mail the form outing their competition to the police department.

The department said the post was “not in response to any growing issue or any specific drug problem.”

“It was more of a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek way to kind of open up conversation in the community,” said Officer Eric Swaback.

The department shared the flier on Facebook Thursday. It has since been shared more than 3,500 times.

“The reach that we’re getting is very unusual. We’re reaching a lot more people from it,” Swaback said. “I think the majority of people that are responding do see the humor in it.”

Swaback noted that no tips had been submitted as of Friday.

The Skokie Police Department’s tip line was also recently launched, allowing residents to text “Skokie” along with tip information to 847-411. The department also said its app allows residents to submit tips to police.

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