The FBI and several local law enforcement agencies conducted numerous raids

targeting heroin dealers in Detroit, hoping to disrupt the flow of narcotics into
Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties.
Seven federal search warrants were executed in the area of Derby Street in Detroit,
with deputies and officers from the Michigan State Police, the Oakland County
Sheriffs Office, and police departments in Troy, Royal Oak, Southfield, and
Bloomfield Township participating. Also, officers from the federal Immigration
and Customs Enforcement and the states Department of Corrections Parole
division assisting.
The FBI reports that the heroin use has increased in the tri-county area, resulting in
an increase in deaths, overdoses and addictions Many of the problems are traced
back to the suppliers in the Woodward Corridor.
In recent years, Royal Oak, like all communities, has seen an increase in heroin
overdoses. Although the distributors did not operate out of Royal Oak, we have
nonetheless had members of our community feel the devastating effects of this
drug trafficking, said Royal Oak Police Chief Corrigan ODonohue. Partnerships
between law enforcement agencies at all levels have proven to be the most
effective way to address these regional crime problems.
While heroin destroys lives, killing many users, it also impacts the criminal justice
system with the crimes committed to feed a habit. In Royal Oak, one of the citys
most vicious crimes, the 2011 robbery and slaying of an 80-year-old woman was
committed by a couple looking to feed their heroin habits.
We will be relentless in combating heroin traffickers who have a devastating
effect on our communities, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. (We are)
proud to partner with its local, state, and federal counterparts to bring down drug
dealers. We are united in our efforts to send a message that dealing drugs in
Southeast Michigan will not be tolerated.
Heroin has been a significant problem in Oakland and Macomb counties. Both
counties now have their sheriffs deputies equipped with Narcan kits, the naloxone
drug that can reverse an overdose and save a life. In Oakland County, have saved
17 lives since adding the newly approved law enforcement tool Narcan in
February. It was approved for use in January and the Oakland County Sheriffs
Office became the second agency to use it.