Drugs have been an issue in our country for many years, and it appears that the problem is only getting worse. Every year, thousands of people overdose, and teenagers are gaining access to drugs earlier than ever. Law enforcement has taken measures to combat the “war on drugs” since the 1990s, but they have yet to succeed.
Parents and public safety officers across the country must be on the lookout for drugs and their suppliers. I believe marijuana has become less of an issue now that it is legal in some states, but drugs such as opioids, methamphetamines, cocaine, and others continue to be a source of concern.
Michigan has taken some drugs off the streets thanks to the efforts of drug enforcement teams, local police, state police, and the FBI. Jason Demyers, who is from Arizona but has strong ties to Lansing, was apprehended and charged as the “kingpin” of the multistate drug ring.
Demyers allegedly had individuals involved fly from California to Michigan with drugs and then return with the money after selling them. They have been convicted of bringing pounds of meth and cocaine into Michigan via Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Lansing between August 2022 and July 2024.
Demyers was accused and charged with leading the operation as well as transporting 10 kilograms of meth. Demyers received 27 years in federal prison, along with 12 co-defendants who were all charged and sentenced accordingly. The other two members of the ring are in a criminal diversion program.
In total, the investigators were able to recover 10 kilos (22 pounds) of meth, 8 kilos (17.6 pounds) of cocaine, and approximately $325,000 in conspiracy-related jewelry. The following individuals have already been charged and sentenced for their crimes related to the drug ring:
- Franchot Barnes: 27 years
- Jonathan Conner: 3 years, 1 month
- Jamar Goins: 6.5 years
- Jomo Grady: 17.5 years
- Lanise Moody: 3 years, 4 months
- Evette Wallace: 9 years, 2 months
Anyone else that is involved but has not been sentenced is expected to appear in court for such ruling by the end of June.
