Law enforcement officials in Michigan recently charged the four individuals they believe are connected to a fentanyl distribution ring in Macomb County. As of the latest report, three of the four have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking, among other offenses. Police are still trying to locate the fourth individual.
In early Nov. 2020, police started looking into area drug trafficking operations after a 47-year-old resident of Warren died of a fentanyl overdose. This individual was the third person in this area to die in this manner in 2020. In general, overdose deaths increased by nearly 90% in Warren last year.
According to reports, about two months after the investigation began, Warren police announced they arrested three men — ages 32, 34 and 38 — for their alleged roles in distributing fentanyl in at least four counties. The charges filed against each of them include trafficking, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and conducting a criminal enterprise. Each charge is a felony-level offense with a max penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The fourth individual they believe is involved will face similar charges.
The drug trafficking and other charges in this case are not anything to treat lightly. The consequences if convicted can be life-altering. Fighting the charges filed against these individuals will not prove an easy feat, particularly as these are federal offenses that are treated far more severely than charges filed at the state level. Thankfully, each of the accused has the right to legal counsel who can help them navigate the federal court system, question any evidence against them and fight for the best possible outcomes.