The nation’s opioid crisis is regularly in the news with officials grappling with ways in which to reduce the demand for powerful painkillers. Unsurprisingly, authorities often fall back on law enforcement to try to address problems with behavior and addiction.
Authorities recently announced more than 90 arrests on federal drug-trafficking charges from Michigan to Ohio and West Virginia. Those taken into custody are accused of operating a fentanyl and heroin distribution ring that was led by two brothers.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the arrests mark a pivotal moment “in the war against the opiate nightmare.”
In Huntington, West Virginia, the National Guard was called in to back up police officers involved in raids against an operation reportedly led by Manget Peterson in Huntington and his brother, Willie Peterson, who was arrested in Detroit.
The two are charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl, officials said. Willie Peterson has been identified by law enforcement officials as the ringleader and supplier for the group.
The organization reportedly delivered a kilo of heroin per week in Huntington, using local distributors to get their product sold on the street.
Law enforcement officials said officers have in the past month seized 360 grams of fentanyl, 760 grams of a substance believed to be heroin and 167 grams of suspected cocaine from the alleged members of the organization.
Those arrested face the possibility of years behind bars if they are convicted. Before speaking to federal or local prosecutors, they should discuss their legal options with an experienced criminal defense attorney.