August 2006

During the week of July 25^th officers from STING cumulated several narcotics investigations with the arrest of 21 individuals on multiple counts of delivery or possession of controlled substances.

These arrests were made in the following counties:

1 in Alcona

7 in Crawford

6 in Iosco

2 in Oscoda

5 in Roscommon

Officers currently have the following warrants pending:

6 in Oscoda

1 in Iosco

1 in Roscommon

7 in Crawford

During these arrests the following seizures were made:

13.8 grams of Cocaine and 56 grams of Marijuana

A search warrant was executed and 2 persons were arrested in Oscoda Township where STING officers seized a loaded 22 pistol, ¼ pound of marijuana, 7 grams of Cocaine and $5,500.00.

August 2005

During the week of August 22^nd officers from STING concluded several narcotics investigations with the arrest of 11 individuals on multiple counts of delivery or possession of controlled substances; several were charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

These investigations were conducted in the Prudenville/Houghton Lake area’s of Roscommon County beginning earlier this summer.

3 arrests were made on Monday, August 22; charges include Delivery of Crack Cocaine, Delivery of Marijuana, Delivery of Controlled Substances (oxycontin, vicodin).

1 arrest was made on Wednesday, August 24^th for Delivery of Marijuana.

7 arrests were made Thursday, August 25^th  .  Charges include Delivery of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Delivery of Marijuana and Possession of Marijuana.  Additionally,  2 persons arrested on Monday were arrested again on Thursday after additional charges were authorized, including a Delivery of Marijuana in Missaukee County .

During the investigations STING officers seized Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, Oxycontin, Vicodin and several other prescription pills.

9 long guns were seized.

2 vehicles were seized.

Forfeiture action was initiated against one home, the residence of one of the arrested persons.

Warrants have been issued for 2 other persons for Delivery of Crack Cocaine and Delivery of Marijuana.  We believe they may be out of the area at this time.  Additionally, several more individuals are being investigated for Delivery of Marijuana and charges are expected in the near future.

Officers from the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police Houghton Lake Post and Denton Township Police Department assisted STING officers with the arrests.

2003 Drug Fighting Stats

Total cases:  146

Total Arrest Counts: 130

Persons arrested: 94

Value of drugs purchased/seized (street value) $727,007

LOCAL ARTICLES

Not A Duplicate—STING Stings Meth Cookers!

Conducting a sting operation, STING officers uncovered two methamphetamine labs in a matter of two weeks. STING officers recently arrested a Tawas City husband and wife for operating a fully equipped methamphetamine lab in their Iosco County home.  The lab was seized after a two-month investigation that started in neighboring Ogemaw County where STING officers started buying meth. 

Authorities say the lab was capable of producing 1 to 2 ounces of finished meth a cook.  With a street level value of $100 a gram, the couple was netting approximately $3,000 dollars per hour for their work.  Unfortunate for them, they now face methamphetamine and firearm possession charges.

STING officers also seized a second methamphetamine lab a week later in Roscommon County ’s Denton Township .  The prosecutor is reviewing the case.

Blowing Smoke!

A West Branch resident is in custody following several controlled buys by STING officers.  STING officers arrested the Ogemaw County resident for possessing and selling marijuana from his Clear Lake house trailer.  STING officers found a pistol under the mattress of a baby’s bed in the trailer.  During the buy the husband bragged about blowing marijuana smoke in his baby’s face because the baby loved it.

The children were temporarily removed from the parents by the Family Independence Agency.

Tip Leads To Large Marijuana Grow Operation in Houghton Lake

Acting on a tip received by the Gladwin City Police that more than 100 pounds of marijuana was stored in a Roscommon County home, STING officers secured a search warrant for a house located on Harrison Road in Roscommon Township .  Executing the search warrant, STING officers found marijuana grow paraphernalia in the bedroom, along with a complete marijuana drying area in the attic.   More than 53 pounds of marijuana was seized from the house.  The husband was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and manufacturing of marijuana with intent to deliver.

Hiding Behind Disclaimer Does Little Good For Shop Owner

Acting on numerous complaints from West Branch citizens, STING and West Branch Police Department officers began an undercover investigation into the illegal sale of drug paraphernalia at a local tattoo parlor and head shop.

Upon entering the business Officers observed a display of more than 50 miscellaneous smoking pipes, water bongs, and vehicle safes.

When questioned as to how best to use the pipes and which end the “weed” went into, the owner was quick to explain he could not sell the pipe but because the buyer had mentioned the word “dope.” This was a disclaimer he was told to use from his good friend, a local attorney!

He would, however, sell the pipe to the second undercover officer because he never mentioned the “d” word.  As he was wrapping the pipe he explained in more detail the differences in the pipes and how they were used.  He told them how one of the styles has not held up in the past and how a couple of kids had returned with one of the glass pipes which had broken when heating up their dope. STING officers concluded that the owner knew exactly what the pipes were being used for, as he commented that he didn’t have any legal tobacco but was thinking about getting some to back up his disclaimer and keep the “HEAT” off him.  The shop owner was arrested for the sale of drug paraphernalia and his inventory seized.

Inmates Spill Beans On Missaukee County Meth Lab

Three inmates lodged in the Missaukee County Jail help led STING officers to an active meth lab located near Merritt in Missaukee County . 

In preparing their raid entry, STING called for the assistance of the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team and the Bomb Squad from the Grayling Lab.  Authorities believed at the time that the suspect had wired his garage lab with explosives and the suspect was known to be in possession of automatic weapons.

Entry to the residence was established without incident. STING officers found evidence of an active methamphetamine lab in the residence itself, in the garage and one barn.  They also found a meth component refuse pile located to the rear of the property near a tree line. 

As the day progressed, STING officers found components of a full-scale Meth Lab were located in various out buildings around the farmstead.  The 43-year-old suspect and his 46-year-old girlfriend both denied knowledge of a Methamphetamine Lab, or any ongoing conspiracy to produce Methamphetamine at the residence.  

During the search of the residence STING officers also discovered, through tax records and other financial information that the suspect’s reported income was much lower—very low--compared to his current standard of living.  Authorities believed that many of the items taken under forfeiture as a result of the raid had been traded or bartered for drugs, or were purchased with proceeds from drug sales. 

The suspect was charged with being a habitual offender plus six counts ranging from possession of methamphetamine, to operating a meth lab.  The suspect’s girlfriend was charged with six counts ranging from receiving and concealing stolen property, operating a meth lab and possession of methamphetamine.

COMMANDER”S COLUMN     

We are all well aware that there is a direct correlation between drugs and crime in our community.  We also know that criminals do more than destroy lives, they also steal the sense of safety, well being and freedom in our community. 

Armed with this knowledge, community leaders and law enforcement agencies in Arenac, Crawford, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties partnered with the Michigan State Police and federal agencies to establish the Strike Team Investigative Narcotics Group (STING) in the early 90’s.  Currently, STING covers Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties as well as the City of Au Gres . 

STING is a multijurisdictional team with one common goal in mind, removing drug dealers from our community’s streets and neighborhoods, so you can live your life with a sense of peace and tranquility.

The concept of STING is based on the simple premise that no one agency has the ability or resources to respond single-handedly to the drug problems in our area.  Therefore, we had to look at combining our talent and resources into a strong specialized drug enforcement team, aimed specifically at removing drug criminals from our streets.

As Commander of STING I am convinced that by combining the talent, resources and technology of our local agencies with those of state and federal agencies, we are more successful in our drug fighting efforts.  As you can see by the 2003 numbers, we investigated 146 cases, made 130 arrests and stopped the dissemination of more than $727,000 dollars worth of drugs directed toward the children, family and friends in our area.

As a citizen of Au Gres, or Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda or Roscommon counties, you stand to benefit greatly by the collective efforts of STING.  Whether using local street enforcement efforts, interdiction, education/prevention, or taking full advantage of the highly specialized crime fighting tools offered by state and federal agencies, STING officers are committed to making a difference in our community. 

While cocaine and marijuana still seem to be the drugs of choice found in many of our communities, now on the scene, and positioned to spread like a brush fire, is METHAMPHETAMINE.  Counties across the state have seen an alarming increase in methamphetamine clandestine labs (cooking sites) and meth related activities as well. 

Methamphetamine is like no other drug we have seen before in this area, especially due in part to the fact that it is manufactured (cooked) right here in our community and not imported as is the case with other illegal drugs.  As you read about methamphetamine in this newsletter, you will see how deadly and dangerous this drug really is.  I encourage you to become aware of the dangers associated with methamphetamine, to report any suspicious activities, and to help STING officers in their efforts to keep this devastating drug from taking over our community.