Federal State Agencies and Drug Enforcement Teams

Because there are an abundance of drug-related crimes in particular areas of Michigan, there are numerous federal and state agencies as well as drug enforcement teams who work to "crack down" on individuals suspected or accused of drug-related offenses. As Michigan drug crime defense attorneys, the professionals at Grabel & Associates are familiar with these agencies, and the roles they play in pursuing those suspected of selling, manufacturing, cultivating or trafficking illegal drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, prescription drugs (oxycodone, Vicodin, etc.), marijuana and more.

Essentially, there is unity and strength in numbers, which is why often times law enforcement agencies coordinate their efforts utilizing state, local and federal law enforcement along with specialized drug enforcement teams to obtain a better outcome.

Being convicted in the state criminal justice system leaves individuals facing extremely harsh penalties; however, a federal conviction is often far worse in terms of punishment. Some of the agencies, which may be involved in an investigation involving drugs in Michigan, include:

FBI - The Federal Bureau of Investigations is charged with enforcing more than 200 categories of federal law; a primary U.S. government law enforcement agency, the FBI frequently works in conjunction with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) on drug investigation cases where jurisdictions may overlap.

ATF - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) often targets drug traffickers who may be armed through a program that oversees task forces in areas where violence related to drugs is severe, a program known as the Achilles Program. Additionally, beginning in February 2013 the Department of Justice is amending its regulations for a period of one year to allow the director of the ATF to exercise the authority to seize and administratively forfeit property when an offense is related to controlled substances.

Other Michigan multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement teams are made up of police and sheriff department law enforcement personnel, often along with the Michigan State Police. Some of these teams include:

BAYANET (Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team). County law enforcement personal in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw Counties, along with the ATF, DEA and FBI and police departments from Mt. Pleasant, Midland, and Saginaw Township and Michigan State Police compose this regional drug law enforcement team.

CMET (Central Michigan Enforcement Team). Personnel from the Ionia, Montcalm and Newaygo County Sheriffs' Departments along with Michigan State and Big Rapids Police make up this drug task force which is multi-jurisdictional and serves Ionia, Newaygo, Mecosta and Montcalm Counties.

FANG (Flint Area Narcotics Group). Flint police, agents with the ATF and other police departments in Genesee County make up this drug team, which focuses on Flint and surrounding areas of the county.

Tri-County Metro Narcotics Section. Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties are the focus of this narcotics team, which concentrates its efforts on eliminating drug trafficking. This team is comprised of local, federal and state law enforcement officials.

TNT (Traverse Narcotics Team). Comprised of two divisions, this narcotics team focuses on areas in Northern Michigan. One division concentrates its efforts on seeking prosecution in Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford Counties. The second prosecutes drug offenses in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties.

SWET (Southwest Enforcement Team) . County sheriffs, Michigan State Police, various township police departments and Kalamazoo, Marshall, Portage and South Haven city police comprise this team, which focuses on prosecution of drug crimes in Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties.

TNU (Thumb Narcotics Unit). Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties are the primary focus of this drug enforcement team which fights drug offenses in what is known as the "thumb" area of Michigan.

Those suspected of drug offenses are often enticed by drug enforcement agencies or teams into committing crimes, which will lead to eventual prosecution. These squads often investigate suspected drug offenders by using snitches or other tactics (some that violate suspects' constitutional rights). If you have been investigated for a drug offense or arrested after being the focus of these agencies, you have the right to legal counsel. At Grabel & Associates, we provide aggressive, effective legal representation for those facing possible prosecution for drug-related crimes. Contact us today at 1-800-342-7896 for a free consultation.