Overdose Deaths Result in Increase in Drug Possession Arrests

The United States has seen a significant rise in drug overdose deaths over the last few years, and the same can be said for Michigan – specifically the Detroit area. While there are many factors related to deadly drug use, law enforcement officials and addiction advocates have pointed to the increased street prevalence of heroin as a leading cause for the rise in deaths. To combat this, police and prosecutors have sought to arrest and punish drug dealers and users such more severely. If you or a loved one are arrested for drug possession, you could be facing serious criminal charges that result in a large fines, a criminal record, and incarceration. If you have been arrested for a drug crime, a skilled attorney can help defend you through the entire process.

Contact Drias Law Group to speak with an experienced Detroit drug lawyer lawyer about your defense against serious drug charges. Call us today at (313) 944-0236.

Increase In Overdose Deaths And The Search For Those Responsible

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths from drug overdoses have quadrupled in Michigan over the last 15 years. This has resulted in increased public attention on the dangers of certain drugs, such as heroin and the illegal use of prescription pills. Federal and state law enforcement agencies have made it a priority to get drug dealers and traffickers off the streets if they are involved with drugs that are known to be deadly.

Police in Oakland County have recently arrested dozens of members of an alleged drug ring that were transporting and selling deadly doses of heroin mixed with fentanyl. The investigation into this group was given extra priority since it is known that at least one person died by overdosing on fentanyl-laced heroin that was purchased from this drug ring. These arrests are the result of a large and lengthy investigation into this group, but this case is unfortunately not unique.

In collaboration with federal and out of state officials, Detroit law enforcement has been conducting more home raids on suspected drug dealers when responding to deadly overdoses. If you happen to be near the vicinity of one of these raids, you can be arrested for possession of drugs and face serious penalties, even if there is no proof that you have intent to sell. Since heroin is a Schedule 1 narcotic in Michigan, you can face a felony charge with years in prison. Even a charge for a minor possession carries with it the possibility of large fines.

The Dangers Of Heroin And Fentanyl

Heroin is considered to be a very dangerous drug, and possession of it can result in an arrest and long-term imprisonment. Lately, though, law enforcement officials have been very concerned with heroin that is mixed with the opiate known as fentanyl. Adding fentanyl to heroin makes the substance significantly stronger, and this is something that most drug manufacturers and dealers want. This combination can be extremely deadly, because it only takes a small dose of fentanyl to kill someone. It is believed that the increased use of fentanyl in drug dealers’ product has resulted in the surge of overdose deaths that have occurred in the United States over the last several years.

Many people who seek out heroin often fail to realize that their purchase is laced with fentanyl. While fentanyl can kill someone in moments, a person who is overdosing can possibly be saved if the antidote naloxone is quickly administered by emergency responders. Some of the more noteworthy and frightening facts about fentanyl are:

• It is very common for law enforcement officials to see multiple fentanyl-laced heroin overdoses within a very short time period, even in a small community.
• While pure – or mostly pure – heroin is yellowish-white in color, fentanyl is bright white. However, a mixture of the two may make it difficult to notice fentanyl by sight.
• Deadly fentanyl-laced heroin is often referred to as “Theraflu,” “Bud Ice,” or “Income Tax.”

Drias Law Group Can Help You

Due to the rise in deadly drug overdoses in the Detroit area over the last several years, police officers and criminal prosecutors have made the arrest and imprisonment of drug dealers a top priority. Even if you are not a drug dealer or trafficker, an arrest for drug possession can result in a steep fine and years in prison. To clear your name, you need a skilled defense attorney who understands how drug prosecutions are handled. Attorney Martin Drias has handled many different drug crime defenses, and we understand what is needed to protect your rights.

If you or a loved one are facing serious drug possession charges, contact Drias Law Group to speak with an experienced attorney today. Call us at (313) 944-0236, or contact us online for a free and confidential case consultation.