The Drug Enforcement Administration announced the launch of the TIP 4-1-1 initiative on Wednesday. Officials hope to use the text-based tip line to combat illegal prescription drug activity.
DEA officials said the new program was launched to add an extra level of anonymity to those who want to report suspicious prescription drug activity. The Internet-based tool will send citizen tips via text message to the DEA, but removes all identifiable information before delivery.
DEA special agent Doug Coleman hopes the new reporting tool will help to crack down on the doctors and pharmacists who don’t follow the law when dispensing controlled substances.
"99.9 percent of all registrants do what they’re supposed to but there is a small percentage," he said. "But one doctor, one bad pharmacy can have a significant impact on a community."
Coleman added the rise in illegal prescription-drug use could be to blame for a spike in heroin abuse in Arizona. According to the DEA, state emergency rooms have seen a 118 percent increase in opioid misuse from 2005-12.