St. Clair County Drug Task Force sees increase in weapons, drugs so far in 2021

The St. Clair County Drug Task Force has seized more than four times the number of weapons in the first three-quarters of this year than all of 2020. 

From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2021, the task force seized 296 weapons, compared to 71 in all of 2020, St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King said. 

He said while it's difficult to know the reasons why, one possible explanation could be the documented connection between weapons and methamphetamines. Those who use the drug can become extremely paranoid and seek out a weapon for protection. It comes as no surprise that the number of weapons seized per raid increase as the prevalence of methamphetamines increase in the community, King said.

He she increase in weapons is concerning for officer safety and the public's safety. 

"We've seen an uptick and it is very concerning," King said. "Concerning for the safety of law enforcement who come in contact with people with weapons and drugs, and concerning that those weapons may be used in other crimes."

The task force also seized more drugs in the first three quarters of 2021 than all of 2020. King said this is partly due to an increase in certain drugs in the community, and partly due to drug task force returning to pre-pandemic enforcement levels. 

From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2021, the Drug Task Force seized 2,951 grams of methamphetamine and crytal meth, 340 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, 113 grams of heroin and 22 grams of fentanyl, King said. 

In 2020, the Drug Task Force seized 2,606 grams of methamphetamine and crystal meth, 180 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, 121 grams of heroin, and 12 grams of fentanyl, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff Department. 

King said in the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, the Drug Task Force never stopped enforcement efforts, however, they weren't participating in as many drug raids to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Little was known about the virus at the time, so the drug task force was being cautious to avoid deputies getting sick and/or spreading the virus to other members of the public. The department was also being cautious so staffing levels could be maintained if department employees got sick, King said. 

King said the increase in methamphetamine seizures is due to an increase in imported product that is purer and cheaper to make than domestic methamphetamine, a trend that has increased the amount of methamphetamines available in the community for the last several years.  

"I wouldn't be surprised if it is up again next year," King said. "Meth is the biggest problem in our community right now, it's huge. It's been the major drug problem here in the last several years and it continues to get worse."

The drug task force also had one large bust of 2 pounds of methamphetamine that contributed to the increase in seizures, King said. 

The task force has also seen an increase in fentanyl being mixed with other drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine or counterfeit prescription drugs. The drug can be pressed into other products without the user's knowledge, which puts them at a higher risk of overdose, King said. 

The drug task force executed 61 search warrants and 261 drug-related traffic stops from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30. The task force's efforts led to 215 arrests that resulted in 280 felony charges and 100 misdemeanor charges, King said. 

In 2020, the drug task force executed 34 search warrants and 183 drug-related traffic stops. The search warrants and traffic stops lead to 218 arrests that resulted in 262 felony charges and 145 misdemeanor charges.

Those that suspect drug activity in their neighborhood can anonymously contact the drug task force at (800) 243-DRUG. King said these tips are useful because they can alert the task force to new activity or provide the task force with the last bit of information they need to execute a search warrant. 

Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com.