Strike Team Investigative Narcotics Group

State/County/Local

Multijurisdictional Task Force

The Strike Team Investigative Narcotics Group (STING) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force, comprised of State, County and local police agencies, which operate under the administration of the Michigan State Police.  STING is assigned to work in the counties of Arenac, Crawford, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon.  The entire STING area is rural in nature and a popular recreation area with a large amount of State and Federal forest lands, resort areas and private cottages, which results in large population swells.   

Due to the rural and recreational nature of the area, there is a lack of an industrial or manufacturing base for employment.  This results in low per-capita income, high unemployment and high per-capita rates of welfare/social services cases and associated incidents of substance abuse.  The average median household income is only 66% of the average for the State of Michigan, while the percentage of people living in poverty within the STING area is 33% higher than the State average.

This area is a prime area for the cultivation of marijuana, including indoor grow operations.  The vast amount of State and Federal forest lands, large tracts of private undeveloped woodlands and farms provide many isolated areas for the cultivation of marijuana and the possible clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine. 

There are several high volume traffic corridors that exist within the STING area, including I-75 and US-23. These routes provide direct access to known source cities, such as Flint, Saginaw, Bay City and the Detroit Metropolitan area.  The entire eastern boundary of the STING area is comprised of the Lake Huron shoreline, with numerous marinas and direct access to Canada.  The STING area contains several migrant camps with a population having direct contacts to our southern border states and Mexico.  

This area also contains other transient population centers, which contribute to the associated incidents of substance abuse and related criminal activity.  These areas include the Standish Maximum Security Correctional Facility, Camp Lehman Correctional Facility, Camp Shawano, Camp Nokomis Juvenile Detention Centers and the Camp Grayling National Guard Base.  There is also a Chippewa Indian Reservation in Arenac County, which has opened a casino on tribal lands.   Traditionally, these types of institutions create a greater impact on law enforcement services, with higher than average incidents of substance abuse and related criminal activity.  

Goals

Identify drug houses in the STING area and individuals or organizations that maintain, operate or occupy them.

ü      Identify, disrupt, dismantle, or render ineffective drug houses – we have increased the number of organizations/persons identified.

ü      Develop intelligence sources through arrests of local dealers/users – we have increased the number of informants developed.

ü      Collaborate with local prosecutor’s to use all means to identify and prosecute individuals or organizations – we have increased the amount of drugs seized from targeted individuals/organizations.

ü      Impact organizations/individuals through asset forfeiture – we have increased the number of state forfeiture cases initiated by 5%.

Reduction in Drug Overdoses

ü      Collaborate with DCH Bureau of Health Professions MAPS program to identify system abusers – we have a number of physicians/pharmacists /practitioners identified corroborating illegal distribution.

ü      Collaborate with local physicians/pharmacists/practitioners to identify abuse within the system – we have increased the number of arrests for false prescriptions by 5%.

ü      Develop intelligence sources through arrests of local dealers/users we have increased the number of illegal sale arrests by 5%.

ü      Collaborate with community groups and prevention programs to provide awareness campaigns – we have increased the number of citizen contacts for prevention/awareness.

Reduce the amount of crime associated with drug abuse and trafficking in the entire STING area.

ü      Collaborate with local and federal investigators and provide assistance when requested.

ü      Collaborate with local probation and parole officers to hold repetitive offenders accountable.

ü      Develop shared sources of information and consistent modes of dissemination.

ü      Target increased crime rates, and decreased clearance rates.

We have increased our number of arrests/assists for probation and parole violation, increases number of fugitive arrests/assists, increased number of index and non-index crime arrests/clearances/assists, increased number of sex offender registrant violation cases investigated and increased number of intelligence reports forwarded to local, state, federal agencies.

Identify Organizations, Groups, and/or Individuals from Flint responsible for cocaine supply/distribution in the STING area.

ü      Identify, disrupt, dismantle, or render ineffective the responsible persons/organizations – we have a number of organizations/persons identified.

ü      Develop intelligence sources through arrests of local dealers – we have increased the number of informants developed.

ü      Collaborate with local prosecutor’s to use all means to identify and prosecute supply organizations.

ü      Collaborate with Federal prosecutor’s to identify and prosecute supply organizations.

ü      Impact organizations/individuals through asset forfeiture.

We have increased the amount of drugs seized from targeted supply individuals and organizations, increased the number of local cases initiated by 5% and increased our number of State forfeiture cases initiated.

Identify and reduce illegal source(s) of prescription drug suppliers within the STING area.

ü      Collaborate with physicians/pharmacists/practitioners to identify abuse within the system – we have increased the number of arrests for false prescriptions by 5% and reduced the number of illegally prescribed controlled substances.

ü      Collaborate with community groups and prevention programs to provide awareness campaigns – we have offered information and raised awareness through meetings with local citizen contacts and groups.

2007 was taxing for everyone in law enforcement.  I am pleased to report that our Team has had a triumphant year and I look forward to 2008 with enthusiasm.  

The Team is covering Crawford, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon Counties , as well as the City of Au Gres .  I am certain that we will maintain these relationships and continue with the battle against drugs.  

During this time where staffs are being reduced, I wish to thank all who have assigned officers to our Team.  I offer a big “thank-you” from all members of the STING Board.

I want to congratulate the Team on a very productive, triumphant year.  Keep up the good work!  

Sheriff Fran Staley, Roscommon County

Chairman

STING Executive Board

I would like to thank all of you who have supported our operation these past years.  2007 was a busy time for us, with increases seen in investigations, drug seizures and arrests.   

Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that a slowdown in illegal drugs is forthcoming.  It appears that poor economic conditions in our state, combined with the recent increases in prescription drug abuse, are fueling an increase in the number of prescription drug investigations the team is conducting.  

For many, the drug subculture in our area is unseen.  Unless you have been victimized by a drug related crime or know of a person who is using drugs, then you probably think it is not really a problem up north.   Ask yourself this; is there a house in my neighborhood that has continuous traffic to and from?  Usually late at night?  You don’t recognize them as neighbors, friends or relatives?  If this sounds familiar, then chances are you are exposed.  

Is there a solution?  I think there is, but it will take a cooperative effort from all in our communities.  Everyone needs to be aware of what is going on around them.  I am not asking you to spy on your neighbors but to pay attention.  We all know what normal activity for our neighborhoods and communities is.  Don’t ever assume that what you see or hear is just some innocent activity.  Pick the phone up and call your local police!   If you suspect drug trafficking, ask them to contact us.  We don’t need to know who you are; just having the information gets us started.   

Second, because prescription drug abuse is on the rise, everyone needs to do their best to control their own prescriptions.  50% of teens surveyed say they get their prescription drugs by taking them from family and friends.  Do you keep your prescriptions out in the open, maybe near the kitchen sink?  Many people do this so they won’t forget to take them.  Very understandable but an easy target for theft.  Consider using a daily or weekly dispensing container and keeping the bulk of your medicines out of sight.  By doing this, you will know almost instantly if you have been victimized.  If you have a locking cabinet, safe, etc. then keep the rest of your medicine there until it is time to “reload” your dispenser.  

The officers assigned to STING are a very dedicated group.  Because of budget restrictions we can’t pay our officers for the endless hours they put in, 50-60 hours a week isn’t unusual.   Why do they do this?   Because they live here and know the dangers posed by drugs in our communities.  I think they also like the work!  

Again, thanks for your interest and support.  Please call us if you have concerns or questions.

D/Lt Jeff Keister

D/Lt Jeff Keister

Unit Commander

STING

î IOSCO COUNTY, PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP  

On December 29^th, STING received a call from a CI that said he/she had been inside a suspect residence and saw over 1/2 pound of marijuana.  The CI said that 2 other subjects at the residence were also picking up alot of marijuana.  The CI said that the marijuana was being “fronted” to the other 2 subjects who were to pay the suspect after selling.  

On January 2^nd, STING received another call from the CI stating that he/she had again been at the subject residence and saw another 1/2 pound of marijuana being weighed and packed into smaller quantities.   

A search warrant was prepared and executed.  STING knocked on the door to the residence and advised that they had a search warrant. The suspect and 2 other subjects were in the residence at the time.  STING told the suspect what the warrant was for and the suspect started telling Officers where the marijuana was.  The suspect stated that the 4 to 5 ounces was for his personal use.   

Officers located a purse that contained several different types of pills.  Some pills were found in small paper dispensing cups.  The suspects’ spouse is a nurse. Officers also found 2 handguns, 1 registered, but not to the suspect and 1 not registered.   

One of the subjects was asked if the marijuana found in the bathroom was his/hers.  After learning that the bag could be fingerprinted, he/she admitted that it was his/hers.  

Officers seized 226.8 grams of marijuana, 25 miscellaneous pills and the two handguns.   

STING Officers locating the registered owner of the 9mm handgun and found out that the handgun was collateral for a $100 loan.   

Suspect, who happened to be an organizer of the Hale Little League, and one of the subjects were arrested in June.  Both suspects pled in August: suspect pled to Attempted Maintaining a Drug House and subject pled to use of Marijuana.             

î CRAWFORD COUNTY, CITY OF GRAYLING                           

January 10^th, a CI contacted STING advised that he/she could purchase marijuana from suspect.  STING met with the CI and provided $80 of buy money then drove the CI to the location. The CI purchased 5.1 grams of marijuana.  The CI stated that the suspect had another subject, boyfriend/girlfriend, and two elderly subjects at the residence and were present when the transaction took place, however the suspect’s grandparents were extremely elderly, and he/she does not believe that they were aware of the transaction in question.

On January 17^th, a different CI contacted STING and said he/she had seen over an ounce of marijuana in room a local Motel.  The CI said that suspect and his/her boyfriend/girlfriend were staying in the room.  STING used the CI's information and obtained a Search Warrant.  STING Officers talked to the manager of the motel and got a key to the room.  Officers knocked on the door, announced it was the police, heard noise being made and open the door when nobody came to the door.  The occupants were secured and the Search Warrant was executed.  Officers located a total of 170.9 grams of pre-packaged marijuana, a marijuana plant, and $5,990 cash and other items.  STING buy money was recovered from the 1^st deal. 

The boyfriend/girlfriend from the 1^st deal was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and the suspect was arrested on a Fail to Appear warrant.  He/she is pending a Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana charge.  

î OGEMAW COUNTY, WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIP                               

February 6^th, STING was contacted by SANE (Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement) regarding some CI’s who could purchase Crack Cocaine in the West Branch area.  The delivery was to take place at a local parking lot on the I-75 Business Loop.  STING Officers along with SANE Officers provided surveillance for this controlled purchase. 

STING met the CI's at a meet site and provided them with $1,500 of buy money.  The CI's met the suspect and executed the deal for the Crack.  A felony stop was conducted on the vehicle and the occupants were removed at gunpoint.  The CI’s had advised they believed the suspect to have a handgun. Two males and one female were arrested.  $1,380 was recovered on one of the males along with cell phones this same male was also a suspect on another STING case. 

STING Officers searched the three arrested and the vehicle and found:  3.7 grams of Marijuana, 46 miscellaneous pills and the remainder of the buy money.  Officers also have the 18 grams of Crack Cocaine from the controlled purchase.               

î CRAWFORD COUNTY, GRAYLING TOWNSHIP                                     

February 12^th, STING received a call from a CI who saw an ounce of Marijuana at suspect residence.  STING executed a search warrant with this information and confiscated   283.3 grams marijuana and $770 cash.  Suspect was arrested for Delivery of Marijuana. 

î CRAWFORD COUNTY, GRAYLING TOWNSHIP

February 12^th, STING Officers executed a search warrant.  Officers announced and a female voice stated to come in.  Officers asked for the suspect and he was called to come out.  Officers witnessed another subject run across the room into the bathroom and flush a substance down. 

Officers secured the residence and located 1,248 grams of Marijuana, 1 gram of Cocaine, 35 pills and $1,545.

A deer carcass was also located hanging from the rafters in the garage. DNR Officers were requested.  

î ARENAC COUNTY, MOFFATT TOWNSHIP

April 17^th, STING was contacted by a CI that said we could buy marijuana plants from a local trailer park.  Officers and the CI went to the location and purchased 6 plants for $100 and the CI purchased 2 plants for $40.  The suspect also threw in 1.3 grams of marijuana - to try out his/her product.

Further buys were attempted with no success.  The suspect was stopped by a Gladwin Trooper, STING obtained a three count warrant and that evening, attempted to make a cold buy on the suspect.  During the buy, the undercover officer had a conversation with the suspect, in which the suspect mentioned being stopped by the police in the area of his grow operation. The suspect then related that he/she would be harvesting his/her plot around the 1st of October.

î OGEMAW COUNTY, WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIP

Same suspect, different case – This complaint was pulled to document the installation of a Mobile Tracking Device (MTD) on the suspect vehicle.  The suspect has been identified as being a very active Marijuana grower, having several hundred Marijuana Plants in the Ogemaw/Arenac and Upper Peninsula areas. 

On September 1^st, D/Lt. Keister’s phone alarm activated indicating the suspect was in Gladwin County in the area of his/her marijuana plants.  BAYANET was notified.  STING responded along with BAYANET and located the suspect in the area of the marijuana grow plots. The suspect was arrested on the STING three count warrant and other charges related to the grow operation on a BAYANET complaint.

î CRAWFORD COUNTY, GRAYLING

May 16^th, a search warrant for suspect residence was drafted and executed.  Suspect admitted that Marijuana in the house was for personal use.  STING located 380.4 grams Marijuana and fireworks. 

A few months later, STING Officers went to suspect residence and arrested him.  The suspect gave permission to search the residence.  STING Officers seized a rifle at this time

î ROSCOMMON COUNTY, GERRISH TOWNSHIP

June 18^th, STING was contacted by a CI that said he/she could purchase 20 Xanax pills for $2.00 a piece from suspect at his/her residence. 

STING met with the CI and gave him/her $60 of buy money then followed the CI to the purchase location.  The informant purchased 20 Xanax pills for $40. 

STING Officers ran the suspect and found that he/she has had prior conviction for controlled substance delivery.  A week later STING was contacted by Gerrish Police advising that the suspect’s prescription drug bottle containing his/her Xanax was stolen.

With that information STING Officers requested a warrant for delivers of a schedule 4 controlled substance.   The suspect was arrested after a traffic stop.  Officers learned that the suspect filed a false police report after the suspect admitted that he/she was aware of someone working with STING and that he/she didn’t want to get in trouble.

This suspect’s residence is only 2 blocks from the Roscommon Sheriff’s Department.  The following two cases involve the same suspect at the same location – 2 blocks from the Department.

î ROSCOMMON COUNTY, GERRISH TOWNSHIP

On August 15^th, STING was contacted by a CI saying that he/she could purchase 1/8 ounce of cocaine from a suspect at his/her residence.  

STING met with the CI and gave him/her $220 of buy money and a radio transmitting device. STING surveillance Officers heard a subject asked if he/she was in any way affiliated with the police. The CI stated that he/she didn't know what they were talking about. The subject then stated, "Well I don't want **** getting in trouble for this, he/she has kids and all". Officers then heard the suspects’ voice along with children in the back ground.  The suspect left the residence with the buy money and returned with the Cocaine. 

Officers had 1.2 grams of Cocaine this day. 

On August 23^rd, STING was contacted again by the CI to purchase more Cocaine.  The CI was given $220 buy money and a transmitting device.  Again STING Officers could hear the transaction.  Again, the suspect left to go get the Cocaine.  Surveillance Officers followed the suspect vehicle, knowing that the suspect had two felony warrants for other drug related incidents, contacted the Gerrish Police Department to do a traffic stop. 

The suspect was stopped and STING was called to the scene to search the suspect.  STING seized two baggies of Cocaine totaling 3.5 grams.

Once arrested, the suspect gave up whom he/she was purchasing from.  This info leads to the search warrant in the next case. 

î ROSCOMMON COUNTY, HIGGINS TOWNSHIP

STING Officers have prior knowledge that the suspect from previous complaint was trafficking cocaine to his/her residence.  Officers also had knowledge that the suspect had warrants.  STING was conducting an investigation on the suspect when they observed him/her leave the residence and travel to another residence.  The vehicle left approximately 5 minute later heading back toward the suspect residence located. 

STING Officers called for a traffic stop and arrested the suspect.  The Cocaine located in the vehicle and the interview with the suspect leads to a search warrant at the supplier’s residence.

The arrested suspect stated that he/she had seen a small softball size amount of cocaine.  He/she also stated that the supplier was headed downstate to pick up some Ecstasy pills. 

A search warrant for the supplier’s residence was signed on August 23^rd.  STING executed the search warrant.  The following property was seized:  66 grams of Cocaine, 120 Ecstasy pills and $450.

The supplier was arrested and admitted that he/she has been selling narcotics since December to support his/her family.  Children were in the house at the time of the search warrant. 

Following STING’s execution of the search warrant, Officers were contacted by the Traverse Narcotic Team (TNT) advising that they were currently investigating this suspect and his/her involvement in narcotic activity in their area. TNT stated that they conducted an investigation where the suspect’s Chevy Impala vehicle was stopped in the Traverse area and a large quantity of Ecstasy tablets were seized.  TNT advised that during the investigation they were able to discover that this suspect’s narcotic supplier was a subject from the Burton area.

On October 16^th, TNT contacted STING stating that they had received information from a CI that the suspect was traveling to the Flint area to purchase a large quantity of narcotics from the supplier.  Both TNT and STING were previously aware that the supplier currently had an outstanding FBI warrant and was considered armed and dangerous.

According to the information provided by the CI, the suspect and a passenger were headed south to the Flint area.  STING Officers located the suspect vehicle and followed south on I-75.  D/Lt. Keister contacted the Flint Area Narcotic Group (FANG) advising that Officers were following a subject that is possibly picking up a large amount of narcotics in their area. FANG advised that they would assist during the surveillance and make arrangements with law enforcement if a traffic stop was needed.

FANG Officers joined the surveillance as the vehicle entered Genesee County .  Surveillance continued to the area near Ford Field in Detroit . The suspect had rented a hotel room in the area and was seen meeting up with a second subject.  FANG advised that they would take over the surveillance in attempts to positively identify the second subject and arrest him.  The second subject was arrested the next day on the fugitive warrant along with flee and elude and possession of cocaine.

î IOSCO COUNTY, AU SABLE TOWNSHIP

On June 28^th, during HEMP flights STING located and seized 58 Marijuana plants on public land.  The plants were located outside a chain link fence belonging to the adjacent property.  STING attempted to make contact with the owner of the residence.  No one was there at the time.  Oscoda Township Officers kept an eye on the residence.  STING finally made contact with the renter of the residence. 

Neither the renter nor the other subject in the residence knew anything about the plants, but did notice some people out there.

î IOSCO COUNTY, BURLEIGH TOWNSHIP

June 28^th, again during HEMP flights STING located and seized 24 Marijuana plants on private land.  The plants were freshly tended to.  After STING Officers learned who the owner of the property was they contacted him/her.  The property owner stated that the last time he/she was there was for turkey hunting in early May.  The owner stated that he gave several subjects permission to use the property for hunting and timber harvesting.  The owner further advised that the persons in question would not be using the property during this time.  The owner was unaware of who would be growing Marijuana on the property.

î IOSCO COUNTY, AU SABLE TOWNSHIP

In early June STING received information from the Oscoda Township Police Department regarding Marijuana.  Oscoda Officers advised that information was received regarding several Marijuana Plants.  STING Officers and the Oscoda officer located five Marijuana Plants.  STING along with Oscoda Officers monitored the Plants in an attempt to identify those responsible.

As of June 28^th, Officers still had not identified a suspect.  During HEMP flights, these five Marijuana Plants were seized.  In August, STING Officers made contact with a subject at the residence where these plants were found.  Neither this subject nor the other two subjects in the residence claimed to know anything about the plants.  It was determined that there is no real suspect in this case.  The Marijuana Plants were destroyed.

î OGEMAW COUNTY, CITY OF WEST BRANCH & ARENAC COUNTY, STANDISH

August 24^th, STING received a call from the West Branch City Police to assist in an overdose death investigation.  STING Officers went to arrest the suspect on a warrant relating to the overdose case.  A search warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence.  Officers were let in to the residence.  The suspect and another subject were in the residence at the time.  When Officers explained the arrest and search warrants to the suspect, the suspect blurted out “I don't have any drugs here, just some marijuana" and reached under the coffee table and removed a black tin can. 

Inside the can was 8 grams of Marijuana as well as a smoking pipe, rolling papers, scissor, a sandwich baggie and 3 Marijuana roaches.  Officers also seized three Temazepam pills (a schedule 4 controlled substance.)  When the suspect was asked about the Oxycontin prescription that was recently filled, he/she stated that he/she had thrown the pills out and didn’t have any in the house.  The suspect was not arrested at that time.

î OGEMAW COUNTY, RICHLAND TOWNSHIP

September 4^th, while conducting HEMP flights in Ogemaw County , remembering a tip that was received in the fall of 2006, on this date the spotter in the Air National Guard helicopter advised that they had located several Marijuana Plants near a bus behind a pole barn on the property.

D/Lt. Keister and STING Officers had parked around the corner.  As the spotter called out the plants, Officers observed a car back out of a driveway on the property, turn the corner, and drive out of our sight.  After a minute, Officers also turned the corner and observed the same car pulling away from in front of the pole barn on the property. 

STING Officers were headed towards the bus and the spotter stated that a subject was pulling some of the Marijuana Plants.  Before Officers made it to the bus, the spotter advised that they had lost sight of the subject when he/she went between the bus and a fence. 

At the bus, STING Officers observed numerous Marijuana Plants growing in plastic buckets.  The subject had slipped under the fence.  To the south of the bus was a garden hose that when followed, led Officers directly to the residence.  No one answered, but a short time later a subject walked to the residence.  This subject was requested to pick up the vehicle that was left at the barn but it wasn’t there. 

Based on evidence located at the scene, a search warrant was prepared and executed at the residence. 

STING seized 31 Marijuana Plants, 8 miscellaneous pills, over one pound of Marijuana and $5,494 in cash.

One of the suspects has had prior drug charges that were dismissed in as part of a plea agreement to pleading guilty to several B&E's.  On October 31^st, warrants were signed on both suspects.  Both suspects were arrested and charged with Delivery/Manufacture, (one on Marijuana and one on a schedule 4 controlled substance) and Maintaining a Drug House. 

î ROSCOMMON COUNTY, GERRISH TOWNSHIP

September 4^th, the National Guard RAID Team conducted HEMP flights through out Roscommon County .  STING Officers seized and destroyed 6 Marijuana Plants. 

î OGEMAW COUNTY, EDWARDS TOWNSHIP

September 7^th, STING received a tip stating that there were 40 Marijuana Plants growing near a field behind a residence located.  Prior to going out and checking on this tip, D/Lt. Keister received a call from an Ogemaw County Deputy requesting STING’s assistance on executing a search warrant for stolen equipment at the same residence. 

During the execution, STING Officers searched the grounds around and to the back of the residence.  The search of the area behind the residence led to the neighbors’ cornfield.  One Marijuana Plant was located.  In the residence Officers seized 10.8 grams of Marijuana and 15 schedule II pills. 

î OGEMAW COUNTY, CITY OF WEST BRANCH

October 16^th, STING Officers were contacted by a CI regarding being approached by a subject to purchase Heroin.  STING Officers obtained a contact number for this subject and made arrangements to buy Heroin.

STING met with the CI who advised that the suspect did have Heroin for sale and that he/she was currently at his/her mother's apartment.  The CI was given $150 of buy money and a transmitting device.  STING drove the CI to the parking lot.  The CI purchased 2 packets of Heroin for $50.  The CI stated that the suspect’s blind mother was in the room.  The CI also stated that the suspect was going to Detroit for more Heroin.  The CI fronted $75 of the buy money for 3 more packets of Heroin.  STING had .2 grams of Heroin.

STING ran the suspect and learned that he/she is currently on Parole.  His/her criminal history includes convictions for Attempted Misdemeanor Retail Fraud, Felony Escape while awaiting trial, Operating w/o license, Misdemeanor Assault and Battery, POM, Felony B&E w/ 2nd Offense Habitual, Felony Possession of a controlled substance under 25 grams, and another Felony B&E. 

STING was also aware that the spouse of the suspect’s two children died of a Heroin overdose in January.  At that time, both the suspect and his/her spouse had been acquainted with a subject that had also died of a Heroin overdose within the last 6 months.

On October 18^th, the CI explained to STING that he/she had talked to the suspect, and the suspect had told him/her that he/she (the suspect) had car problems and had used the $75 to fix the vehicle.  The suspect then told the CI that he/she had "40's" for sale.  The CI took this to mean the suspect had $40 packets of Heroin for sale. 

STING was aware that it makes no sense that the suspect owes us 3 packets of Heroin, but is now offering to sell more Heroin.  Evidently, giving us the 3 packets of Heroin that he/she owed us didn't cross his/her mind.  Since the suspect offered to sell more Heroin to the CI, STING decided to make a final purchase and immediately follow up with an arrest.   The CI purchased 2 packets for $80.  STING was inspecting the packets and found that the suspect had sold 1 empty packet and 1 full packet.  The CI stated that there were two additional subjects in the apartment this time. 

STING decided to contact the occupants of the apartment, and once inside, take the suspect into custody allowing a search of the suspect.  A request would then be made to the renter of the apartment to search for additional evidence.  Officers seized .3 grams of Heroin, .4 grams of Crack Cocaine and $177 in cash.

î OGEMAW COUNTY, FOSTER TOWNSHIP

September 22^nd, STING received information that a subject, who is the Sanitation Engineer for a Township was selling marijuana at the Township dumping station.  Officers were advised that if they pulled into the dumping area to dispose of trash and ask the suspect if he/she had any marijuana he/she would sell a bag from the shed near the dumping area.

STING went to the dumping station took a bag out of the trunk and disposed of it.  STING then asked the suspect if he/she had anything else.  The suspect asked what we were looking for. The Undercover officer stated "a quarter".  The suspect stated that he/she did have something but would have to wait until the vehicles behind her dumped their trash and left the dump area.

The Undercover officer pulled aside and waited.  When the other vehicles were gone, the suspect walked over to meet with the officer. The Undercover officer purchased 7.4 grams Marijuana.

A second buy was done on October 27^th with the Undercover officer.  Again, the officer asked if he/she had anything else.  The suspect stated, "between you and me I do".  On this day the Undercover officer purchased 7.5 grams of Marijuana.

About ½ hour after the undercover buy, STING Officers headed back to the Township dump to contact the suspect and to recover our buy money.  The suspect denied knowing anything about any Marijuana.  The shed was searched and the bag used was in plain view.  STING Officers seized 27.1 grams of Marijuana and $150 cash.

Coverage Area

2007 participating entities were Crawford, Oscoda, Roscommon and Ogemaw Counties , City of West Branch , City of AuGres , Charter Township of Oscoda and   Iosco County Townships .

Personnel

Personnel assigned from the following agencies:

Michigan State Police/SID:  2

Crawford County Sheriff Department:  1

Roscommon County Sheriff Department:  1

Michigan State Police - West Branch Post:  1 (rotating)

Michigan State Police - Houghton Lake Post:  1 (rotating)

Michigan State Police - Tawas Post:  1

City of West Branch/Civilian:  1

Charter Township of Oscoda: 1

Drug Seizures

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