WILL COUNTY OFFERS REWARD IF TEENS TURN IN DRUG DEALERS

Will County police, worried that gangs are starting to sell ecstasy and
liquid GHB, are fighting back by offering a $1,000 reward to teens who turn
in drug dealers.

"The kids are the ones who know what's happening. . . . If you want to know
where to buy ecstasy or who's selling it, you've got to ask the kids," said
Deputy Chief Paul Kaupas of the Will County Sheriff's Office.

Kaupas and his team set up a Club Drug Hotline, an answering service to
leave tips about club drug sales and use.

The incentive to teens? A $1,000 reward for tips that pan out.

Kaupas, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement, started investigating club
drugs last month, when it became clear gangs were starting to sell ecstasy
and liquid GHB.

"We started receiving tips that gang-bangers were dabbling in ecstasy sales
because of the potential for a large profit margin without the violence,"
Kaupas said.

Bill Barett, Head of Joliet Drug Enforcement, said in the last year there
has been a marked increase in use and sales of ecstasy in Joliet.

Independent Metropolitan News