Predatory Drug Dealers Targeting Vulnerable Single Moms
Drug dealers, often ruthless and cunning, constantly seek out a new base of operations to expand their illegal business. One of the most vulnerable and unsuspecting target groups is single mothers. Since these young women are already struggling to make ends meet and provide for their children, they are often targeted by drug dealers. The dealers offer them a false sense of hope and easy money, luring them into a dangerous and life-threatening situation. However, the consequences of this can be catastrophic for the whole family.
Drug dealers often set up their operations in government housing, exploiting the fact that these are often low-income areas where single mothers reside. But the dire consequences of this is that young children who live in government housing or low-rent neighborhoods are at risk of being exposed to drugs and the criminal activity that comes with it. If violence is associated with the drug trade, they may also be at risk. These young women and their children are at an alarmingly high risk of abuse, neglect, and even death.
In many cases, single mothers are just trying to make ends meet and raise their children. Often, they do not realize that drug dealers are targeting them. But by accepting the dealer’s offer, they are putting themselves and their children in grave danger. Not only do they experience abuse, become addicts, overdose, and even die, but their children are also at risk of sexual abuse and accidental exposure to the drugs. Unfortunately, we’ve all seen this happen in our area far too often, including recently.
We talked with Deputy Chief Jason Hedrick of the Portsmouth Police Department. He made several important points.
From PPD Deputy Chief Jason Hedrick
This is an issue that law enforcement has been dealing with for years. We see it frequently where out-of-town drug dealers will set up in an apartment or house with a single female that normally has children.
From law enforcement’s perspective, it appears that the drug dealers will actively seek out single mothers who have children and do not have the support system in place to help them. These vulnerable young ladies are in need of financial support and companionship. The drug dealers know this and will use this to their benefit to get in good with the young lady. They will offer her financial support and will normally “date” the young lady.
Once the drug dealer has the confidence of the young lady and the young lady is now relying on the support of the drug dealer, they will begin to take advantage of her vulnerable state and begin dealing drugs out of their house or apartment.
We see this activity mostly in low-income areas where single moms are trying to get their lives started. It is hard to say whether or not the young lady is using drugs first and then the drug dealer will “feed” her addiction while utilizing their apartment or house or whether they get in first and then get the female addicted. I’m sure it happens both ways.
These out-of-town gang members/drug dealers will take every opportunity that presents itself and use anyone they can to further their goal of making the most money they can by feeding addicts more poison.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, used this example in our conversation.
“A dealer in a large city would sell a piece of crack cocaine the size of a peanut for $20, and here they can sell a piece of crack cocaine a quarter that size for $20. Therefore, making four times the profit.” He agreed with Deputy Chief Hedrick that dealers in our county are looking for vulnerable women to exploit. Sadly, their main target is young single mothers.
If you suspect a loved one is being used by a drug dealer, here are five things you can do to help protect them:
- Keep in touch with them. Feel free to express your concern and offer your assistance.
- Encourage them to seek professional help such as therapy or counseling to boost their self-worth.
- Offer to assist them in finding a job or provide them with financial assistance.
- Report any suspicious activity or drug dealing to the police.
- Help them find a safe and secure place to live, away from the influence of the drug dealer.
Deputy Chief Hedrick made the following recommendation.
“As far as ways to prevent this from occurring, again, I believe these young ladies need the support system they can turn to and not feel as if they have no other options than to be used by these drug dealers. Obviously, those who are already addicted to drugs need the help of treatment to kick their habit. I believe our community has numerous options for treatment for those who are willing to seek help.”
It’s important to be aware that single mothers and their children are at a high risk of abuse, neglect, and even death when dealing with drug dealers. By being vigilant and offering help and support, we can protect our loved ones and make our town safer for everyone.
Sheriff Thoroughman also expressed that a support system is key. There is often no safety net available. Due to this, good judgment can be compromised.
In closing, it’s important to remember that every single life is valuable and worth fighting for. Single mothers and their children are no exception. They may be facing tough times, but they are not “trash people,” and they are not disposable. They are entitled to live a full and productive life, free from the dangers and exploitation caused by predatory drug dealers.
As a community, we must come together to support and protect them, to ensure that they can live their lives with dignity and hope. Even in the toughest of times, every person and every life is worthy of love, respect, and a chance to thrive.