Happy New Year
It’s only fitting in 2023, I’m filing first report in Seattle’s Little Saigon at 1am. Black market of stolen goods/drug den thriving. No police. Watch oblivious family walk through madness. Maybe @cmkshama will show up this year.
Few Days Before Christmas 2022
Even in freezing cold, folks boosting and looking for last minute #Christmas gifts in #Chinatown-ID and 3rd Ave in Downtown #Seattle. Fentanyl and meth being smoked. Streets are a mess. Will 2023 be any different?
Even After Recent Food Stamp Bust
Dudes are still out here hustling in Little Saigon.
Worst Kept Secret
For months I have been tracking illegal sales and trade of EBT(food stamp)cards in #Seattle‘s Little Saigon. Little did I know, @SeattlePD was also investigating. They just made a HUGE BUST.
Who’s Buying?
During investigation into Little Saigon’s black market, I couldn’t believe stuff being sold. From EBT cards to ribs, folks buying including little Vietnamese grandmas looking for deals. Gotta cut off demand.
Boosted
Some guys wanted me to show their faces, others wanted to be anonymous. But they all admitted to stealing items and bringing it to #Seattle‘s Little Saigon for a quick flip. Dude showed me how he removes security tags from these @Nike‘s.
Free for All
Even with more law enforcement presence, the black market comes and goes in waves. Paper towels, meat, cosmetics, razors, LEGO’s, POKEMON cards, sneakers, lux hand bags, infant formula are hot. Guarantee it’s there right now.
Devastating Year for Small Biz
Multiple businesses left #Chinatown-ID/Little Saigon in 2022 due to crime, homeless, and drug crisis. When will this area get support from leaders?
Adding to This Sad Thread
Just in case ya’ll didn’t know, this Bartell Drugs in #Seattle‘s #Chinatown-ID was one of the anchor stores in the area that also closed in September, partly due to crime, theft, and homeless crisis in neighborhood.
Mass Exodus From Chinatown
@nwasianweekly one of few remaining local papers covering the on going challenges in the #Chinatown International District.