DEA Detroit Investigation Leads to Charges for 16 Individuals
Investigators Seized Bulk Quantities of Cash, Heroin, Methamphetamines, and Fentanyl, as well as more than 20 Firearms
DETROIT — An investigation out of the Drug Enforcement Administration Lansing Post of Duty has led to charges for 16 individuals for various drug distribution charges, Aug. 4.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced 16 defendants were arrested and charged with drug-trafficking crimes arising out of the Lansing, Michigan area. Eight defendants were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
Seven other defendants were charged in a different criminal complaint with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. One defendant was charged by indictment with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
During the arrests of the defendants and execution of 15 search warrants, federal, state, and local investigators seized bulk quantities of cash, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Investigators also seized more than 20 firearms.
"Anytime we are able to dismantle an organization dealing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines and cocaine it's a big deal," said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin.
"Working with the Lansing Police Department, we were able to improve the quality of life for law-abiding residents throughout mid-Michigan."
Further details of the allegations can be found in the indictment, complaints and supporting affidavits, which were unsealed yesterday. Fourteen of the defendants made their initial appearances yesterday, and two defendants made their initial appearances today.
The charges are the result of a multi-agency investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Lansing Police Department (LPD), including Lansing Police Department Special Operations Section (LPD SOS); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Michigan State Police (MSP); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); United States Marshals Service (USMS); and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have all supported the investigation. Over 150 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio assisted with the search warrants and arrests yesterday.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
