(WXYZ) — There was a significant increase in illegal narcotics seizures during 2020, according to Michigan State Police Narcotics team BAYANET.
BAYANET is a multijurisdictional task force covering Saginaw, Bay, Midland and Gladwin counties ran by MSP.
The unit recorded a 249% increase in cocaine seized, a 99% increase in crack cocaine seized and 1087% increase in crystal methamphetamine when compared to 2019.
MSP says the most concerning statistic is related to the increase in crystal methamphetamine. The use of crystal methamphetamine causes serious health concerns and is highly addictive which often leads to an increase in other criminal activity in the community.
BAYANET reports seizing 4,843.65 grams of crystal methamphetamine having a street value of approximately 500,000.00 dollars.
Cocaine
2019 – 1,797.06 GM
2020 – 6,288.87 GM – 249.95% Increase
Crack
2019 – 970.40 GM
2020 – 1,937.29 GM – 99.6% Increase
Crystal Methamphetamine
2019 – 408.23 GM
2020 – 4,843.65 GM – 1087% Increase
Heroin
2019 – 826.9 GM
2020 – 59.1 GM – -92.9% Decrease
Methamphetamine
2019 – 182.71 GM
2020 – 3,375 GM – 1747% Increase
MSP says meth can make a user's body temperature rise so high they could pass out or even die. A user may feel anxious and confused, be unable to sleep, have mood swings, and become violent. Looks can change dramatically. A user may age quickly. Their skin may dull, and they can develop hard-to-heal sores. They may have a dry mouth and stained, broken, or rotting teeth. They may also become paranoid. They may hear and see things that are not there. They may think about hurting themselves or others. They may also feel as though insects are crawling on or under their skin.
Signs of crystal methamphetamine use:
• Not caring about personal appearance or grooming
• Obsessively picking at hair or skin
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dilated pupils and rapid eye movement
• Strange sleeping patterns -- staying up for days or even weeks at a time
• Jerky, erratic movements; twitching; facial tics; animated or exaggerated mannerisms; and constant talking
• Borrowing money often, selling possessions, or stealing
• Angry outbursts or mood swings
• Psychotic behavior, such as paranoia and hallucinations
Anyone with information pertaining to the use of or distribution of illegal narcotics in Saginaw, Bay, Midland or Gladwin counties is encouraged to make an anonymous tip at Crime Stoppers of Michigan 800-733-2587 or call BAYANET at 989-790-6581.
