WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies in Wake County are reaching out to communities where drugs are a big problem and people are afraid to talk about it.

At several checkpoints throughout the county Thursday night, deputies handed out contact cards so people can call in anonymous tips.

The sheriff's office is also working to get the cards made in Spanish. Investigators say each handout is a step toward winning the community's trust.

"Like any gang, they intimidate people to be quiet so they can do their drug business," Maj. T. Mathews said.

"We're here to let people know the can call us if they want or need us," Sgt. R.E. Stone said.

Investigators say the highway system has become a pipeline of choice for narcotics making their way into rural areas of the county.

For more information on the Eyes and Ears program, contact the sheriff's office by

e-mail

.