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New task force to combat drug epidemic in Macomb County being announced in Warren

Posted at 9:51 AM, Jan 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-14 19:32:09-05

WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — A new multi-jurisdictional drug task force was unveiled in Macomb County Monday morning.

FANTOM, or “Federal Anti-Narcotics Team of Macomb”, was announced to help combat Macomb County’s increasing drug epidemic.

The drug task force comprises of Chesterfield Township, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Warren Police Department, Sterling Heights Police Department and Clinton Township Police Department.

There will be six agents from these departments, as well as three federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The group was created thanks in part to Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer.

Back in October, Commissioner Dwyer's son was found dead inside a vacant house fire. Commissioner Dwyer says his son had a lifelong battle with addiction.

“He suffered for years, we suffered for years. He had his ups and downs, but this is something that affects millions of families in this country. I’m not alone, I’m not embarrassed, I’m not ashamed, it’s something that he fought and he didn’t win,” said Commissioner Dwyer.

Commissioner Dwyer says his son's death is still under investigation by the Detroit Police Department.

Law enforcement at the press conference agreed that drug use in Macomb County has increased over the years.

“The drug deaths in Warren have gone up participially, and this last year was 40, the previous year was 30 and the previous year was around 30, so it’s going up,” said Mayor of Warren James Fouts.

According to DEA agent Tim Planson, heroin and fentanyl are major issues within Macomb County and across the nation.

This task force will help train officers, as well as help communicate amongst other agencies.

“That is exactly one of the reasons why this is so important is so that we can share intelligence,” said Planson.

Planson says community involvement also helps them fight drug use in communities, and suggest people submit tips through the DEA website. You can remain anonymous.