Self-Storage in Ecstacy?

October 30th, 2007

I hate to see these stories, but here’s another. According to the Associated Press, federal authorities have seized thousands of Ecstasy tablets from a San Gabriel Valley self-storage unit. The tablets are reportedly worth more than $2 million. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said the Friday raid was part of an investigation into several Ecstasy-smuggling rings in the area east of Los Angeles.The Associated Press reports the probe has resulted in 11 arrests in recent weeks, including a Chinese national suspected of heading the largest smuggling organization. Seven of the defendants face federal charges, while the other four are prosecuted by local authorities.

Here again we have a major drug operation using self-storage as its base. We have to ask ourselves - what can be done to stop the madness. From our ‘Self Storage Promotions’ perspective, too, we have to ask how do we handle this mini-crisis that will see continued reference to this case as it makes its way through trial.

The industry has come a long way in overcoming its ‘dirty little warehouse’ reputation. We are still fighting the drug den reputation in some circles. In times like these, it’s important to reassure your customers that you keep a close eye on activities. It may also be time to consult an attorney about doing inspections on suspicious units.

Moreover, the industry needs to rally together to overcome this problem, both with clear actions to prevent it and clear communication that tells the world about those actions. We can fight the good fight and perhaps reduce the number of these types of incidents, but if we don’t tell the world about our efforts then, well, they won’t know.

Entry Filed under: Media Relations, Crisis Communications