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PhrasesCalling PolicePenso che in quell'edificio si spacci droga.
B2

Penso che in quell'edificio si spacci droga.

I think drugs are being dealt in that building.

Pronunciation

SPAT-chee — 'spacci' is the subjunctive of 'spacciare'; 'cc' before 'i' is a 'ch' sound.

When to use it

Use when reporting suspected drug dealing. The subjunctive 'si spacci' signals that this is your belief, not a proven fact — important in a citizen report.

What it means

'Spacciare' means to deal drugs. The impersonal subjunctive is used after 'penso che' — correct use avoids making unsubstantiated accusations.

Variations

Ho visto persone scambiare soldi davanti a quell'ingresso.

I have seen people exchanging money in front of that entrance.

Observable fact rather than interpretation — stronger in court.

C'è un andirivieni continuo di persone sospette.

There is a constant coming and going of suspicious people.

'Andirivieni' vividly describes dealing activity.

Sento uno strano odore dall'appartamento accanto.

I can smell a strange smell from the apartment next door.

Useful for indoor growing operations — odour complaints are taken seriously.

Mini Dialogue

— Penso che in quell'edificio si spacci droga. — Da quanto tempo nota questa situazione? — Da almeno tre settimane. Di notte ci sono persone che entrano ed escono ogni ora. — Le mandiamo una pattuglia discreta. Grazie per la segnalazione.

— I think drugs are being dealt in that building. — How long have you noticed this situation? — For at least three weeks. At night there are people going in and out every hour. — We'll send a discreet patrol. Thank you for the report.

Cultural Note

The Carabinieri often conduct surveillance before acting on drug-dealing reports, so do not expect an immediate raid after a single report.