8 Kilos Cocaine, 1 Kilo Fentanyl, Crack, Firearms Seized in Grand Rapids Drug Bust

Three suspects are now in custody in Grand Rapids in connection to a multi-state drug trafficking operation.

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3 Arrested in GRPD Drug Bust - Cocaine, Fentanyl, Firearms Seized

The Grand Rapids Police Department, along with agents from the DEA, made three arrests on Dec. 8, 2022, after a lengthy investigation into the sale and distribution of narcotics in the Grand Rapids area.

GRPD says the suspects were arrested while transporting drugs to Grand Rapids from out of state.

During the arrests, authorities seized seven kilograms of cocaine.

(There are 100,000 milligrams in a kilogram.) While any amount of cocaine can be fatal, according to Recovery by the Sea, "Cocaine doses typically range from 30 – 70 mg, but as users develop tolerance, they tend to use more and increase their doses above 1 g. The minimum dose of cocaine that is considered lethal is 1.2 g, but users with hypersensitivity to cocaine have suffered fatal overdoses from as little as 30 mg."

GRPD and DEA agents then executed search warrants on properties associated with the suspects.

These warrants resulted in the seizure of an additional kilogram of cocaine, a kilogram of fentanyl, firearms, crack cocaine, and equipment used in the distribution and sale of narcotics.

GRPD, Facebook

According to the DEA, fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance that is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent: "Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage."

The three suspects are now lodged at the Kent County Correctional Facility awaiting arraignment.

Statement form GRPD Chief on Dec. 8 Arrests in Connection to Drug Trafficking

“This is the direct result of excellent investigative work by GRPD officers and our federal partners,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “Getting these drugs off the street and disrupting the supply chain that brings drugs into our community is a significant win in making our community safer.”

To those who may be struggling with addiction, or know someone who is, you can call 211 to find resources in the community or the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline at 800-622-HELP (4357).