MPD Says Be Smart at Gas Stations

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND
YOUR VALUABLES WHILE AT THE GAS STATION

Like most parts of the country, Washington, DC is not
immune to the problems caused by illegal drugs and activity
in its neighborhoods. It has been said that the most lucrative
market for illegal drugs and drug activity in the world is the
United States. Nearly every aspect of American life and every
community within the US has been affected in one way or
another by the business of manufacturing, transporting,
selling, purchasing, and abusing illegal drugs.
Cascading Illustration of DrugsThe problem can have
especially damagi0ng effects on young people. There are some
staggering statistics associated with alcohol, vice and illegal
drug use by teenagers in the United States. On any given day:
»» Nearly 1.2 million teens smoke cigarettes
»» 631,000 drink alcohol
»» 586,000 use marijuana
»» 50,000 sniff inhalants
»» 27,000 use hallucinogens
»» 13,000 use cocaine
»» 3,800 use heroin
Perhaps most alarming, nearly two-thirds of American
high school students say their school has drug problems;
nearly one-third of middle school students report the same. And 80 percent of teenagers say
they have witnessed the sale or possession of illegal drugs on high school grounds or seen
someone who was drunk or high on campus.
»» Get more information about recognizing and
understanding the risks associated with drugs:
http://www.mpdc.dc.gov/drugawareness