KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Kent County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that every township within the county is currently being impacted by methamphetamine.
"Many families within our community are suffering from how readily available methamphetamine is," said the Sheriff's Office.
They added that other illicit drugs are still prevalent, however, an overwhelming number of narcotics-related complaints they've received involve some form of methamphetamine.
"So traditionally, we've seen a lot of like, your cocaine and heroin," said Kailey Gilbert with the Kent County Sheriff's Office. "Right now, though, we've seen a little bit of a turn and we're seeing more methamphetamine on the streets."
This past weekend, deputies found methamphetamine during four separate traffic stops. Gilbert said they've seen the increase ramping up since January. The department thinks the this is due to how accessible methamphetamine is.
Gilbert says that sometimes means getting residents help instead of just arresting them. That way, they can recover and get a job and a place to live, re-entering society and contributing to the community instead of living behind bars.
"We want to stop the victimization from our community," said Gilbert. "We also want to get them help because not only are they suffering, but so are their families."
KCSO said they encourage those suffering from Substance Use Disorder to contact the Kent County Health Department or Network 180 to locate treatment services.
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