NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 4, 2021
Contact: Ryan Bridges, Public Information Officer, 269-762-2922
Kalamazoo, MI: On March 3rd, 2021, investigators from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and the Crime Reduction Team conducted an operation, which concluded with the execution of 4 search warrants at locations throughout the City of Kalamazoo. This operation was in direct response to a recent increase in opiate related overdoses and overdose deaths in the Kalamazoo area. This investigation focused on the distribution of fentanyl by a 33-year-old Kalamazoo man and a 28-year-old man Kalamazoo man. The locations of the executed search warrants were in the 3300 block of Lincolnshire Blvd, 1300 block of N Church St, 100 block of E Maple St and the 800 block of Hazard St.
During the execution of these search warrants, investigators located approximately 110 grams of fentanyl, a large amount of suspected ecstasy (MDMA), 3 firearms, ammunition, over $18,000 in cash and additional evidence of the narcotics distribution network.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is between 30-50 times more potent than Heroin. Medical experts estimated that just a 2 to 3 milligram dose of fentanyl is enough to kill a person. 110 grams of fentanyl is one of the largest single seizures of fentanyl in Kalamazoo County.
Both suspects will be facing several felony charges, including Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Felony Firearms, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Operating and Maintaining a Drug House. All charges will be reviewed by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office.
Anyone with information regarding illegal drugs or firearms activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, or report an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com
By authority of: Sergeant Matt Schemenauer