(The Center Square) – The Livonia Police Department recently seized $4.5 million worth of drugs.
On March 28, Livonia Police executed search warrants in Macomb and Wayne counties that resulted in the seizure of 41 kilograms of fentanyl, 2.5 kilos of methamphetamine, 1 kilo of cocaine, pill press machines, firearms and $155,000 cash.
Livonia Police said in a news release the bust is the “largest seizure” of fentanyl in Michigan.
Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, posted on social media:
“Enough Fentanyl to kill the entire population of Michigan – twice – was seized in Livonia, MI,” Theis wrote. “It likely came from across our southern border. Would the Gov please ask the President, as many governors have done, to secure the southern border? Thank God law enforcement caught this!”
Between 2,000 and 3,000 Michiganders die from drug overdoses annually, according to state data. As of 2022, synthetic opioids and poly-drugs comprised a majority of overdose deaths.
In 2022 in Michigan, 61.7% of drug overdose deaths involved multiple drugs (1,846 deaths), while 74.3% of drug overdose deaths in the same year involved synthetic opioids (2,223 deaths).
Drug dealers use fentanyl to lace cocaine and other drugs to make more money. Many people who overdose buy cocaine but ingest and overdose from fentanyl.
After Michigan voters legalized cannabis in 2018, law enforcement shifted its focus to fentanyl, cocaine and heroin. For example, drug raids in Detroit have dropped 95% from its peak of 3,462 raids in 2012 as drug dealing evolved from selling on street corners and stash houses to mobile meetings.
