PHOENIX NEWS
October 22, 2014
Contact: Public Information Officer
602 664-5725
DEA Launches New Initiative to Combat Illegal Prescription Drug Activity
First-ever federally administered tip-line of its kind in Arizona
OCT 22 (PHOENIX)  -Doug Coleman, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Phoenix Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today that the DEA is launching an anonymous Texting Tip Line for the public to report illegal prescription drug activity.
TIP411,  an internet based tool from Citizen Observer, allows anyone with a cell phone to quickly and easily report suspicious prescription drug activity in real time to a DEA agent.
"The non-medical use of prescription opioids has greatly contributed to the sharp increase in heroin trafficking and use," said Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. "In Arizona, the rate of emergency department cases related to opiate misuse or abuse increased 118.8% from 2005 to 2012. DEA and its local law enforcement and drug prevention partners are fully committed to combating this growing issue."
Local Phoenix billboard
To use the service on a cell phone, enter 
TIP411  (847411 )  in the "To" field ,  and the keyword "TIPRX" in the text field followed by your message/tip. The TIP411 system is 100% anonymous, as Citizen Observer's technology removes all identifying information of the sender before the tip is forwarded to DEA.
Anonymous web tips can also be submitted by going towww.dea.gov/phoenix.html
 and clicking "TIP411 Tips."
Phoenix media during the press conference.
SAC Doug Coleman at podium announcing the Divisions new TIP411 Texting Tip Line.
In conjunction with the launch, DEA is sending educational packets to over 1200 pharmacies in Arizona. The packet includes a 
Prescription Drug Intelligence Alert,
 a "Pharmacist's Guide to Prescription Fraud", a TIP411 Advertisement Flyer and a refrigerator magnet.
The DEA encourages parents, their children and educators to visit DEA's interactive websites atwww.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com ,www.justthinktwice.com
 andwww.dea.gov
 to learn more about prescription controlled substance abuse.Report Rx Fraud