Drug users to be warned by police SMS

The so-called weekend drug users will be getting warnings from police as text messages aimed at avoiding major problems and calling people to order. 

«While we know that the addicts daily administrating strong narcotic substances are about 10,000 then the so-called weekend users are manifold more,» said Northern prefecture criminal bureau head Urmet Tambre to explain why during the year ahead they will be focussing on drug users coping in life while still keeping the dealers busy.

Police data says such people use the services of various dealers and the aim is to warn these users. «We want to tell them to not commit offences, and to notify them of consequences,» said Mr Tambre. «The aim of the police is not to punish everybody, the SMS is anonymous enough and we are not directly going after all users.»

Mr Tambre said the weekend-user-list have been preliminarily verified. «Before we arrest a dealer, we know exactly what kind of life is going on around him,» he said.

«The text messages will be going to people whose names have been featured in drugs-related proceedings and regarding whom the police knows that they have purchased drugs from dealers. During the proceedings, police will not always reach all the parties involved and the aim of the messages is to let them know the police is aware and the behaviour is not prudent,» explained Police and Border Guard Board press representative Helen Uldrich.

The SMS messages will be sent to people regarding whom the police has verified they have purchased or used drugs. Ms Uldrich said it is excluded that people who have been lied about would be receiving the shocking messages.

While details of the project are still being developed, Ms Uldrich said there is the possibility of another individual using a mobile number registered to the one they want to warn. «Meanwhile, if a parent gets the message sent to the child, this isn’t bad at all,» she said.

The press rep explained that people will not have to fear that the police comes knocking soon, taking then to jail. «The meaning is to tell the people don’t do this,» said Ms Uldrich.

The starting time of the messaging is not known as yet, but it will definitely be launched during this year. Also, the police cannot say right now how many might get the message. «We are not talking about a thousand or two, they are more,» said Ms Uldrich.

Photo features a version of text sent, warning user of telephone number of health hazards and criminal prosecution in case of large amounts used or handled.