The Drug Dealer Next Door

When buying a home, you can only hope your neighbors will be friendly and welcoming. Typically, we waive hello to neighbors but don’t have the close relationships seen on shows like Desperate Housewives.

However, some neighbors turn out to be more of a nuisance than a friend, and bad neighbor horror stories are a dime a dozen. But most neighbors fall short of a recent crisis involving the drug dealer next door.

Texas law enforcement has seen a trend of drug dealers purchasing foreclosed suburban homes at bargain prices and hiding among their middle class neighbors while manufacturing and distributing illegal drugs.

Further, tensions and economic issues in Northern Mexico are pushing violent cartels north into Texas as a safe haven for their operations.

According to a Dallas County law enforcement official, these are signs of an illegal drug operation in a residential home:

  • Sealed-off windows and doors
  • Dark shades
  • Curtains that seldom open
  • Burglar bars recently installed
  • Houses with very little activity

If you suspect a drug house near you, do not investigate it yourself. Call the authorities. Some houses are booby trapped and can pose a dangerous threat. The worst case is a meth lab, which can lead to fire and explosions.

I’m not sure what’s worse, living next to a drug house or one of these bad neighbors. Either way, be on the lookout and stay safe out there.

Read the entire story at AOL Real Estate.