While patting down suspects wearing hoodies, sweatpants with ties, coats with hoods or any garment that has ties in the waist or bottom, check the area where the string goes. Several “drug couriers” or “steers” have been found to be secreting narcotics such as baggies or loose crack and baggies of Heroin in that area.
The holes at the ends are made large enough for the individual to push a finger through and place the drugs there prior to police contact. A quick pat of that area can miss it, so officers should pinch or roll that area to make sure nothing is in there.
Important: Be certain that there are no sharp objects there before pinching or rolling that area.