In a significant blow to the local drug trade in Minden City, Michigan, a 31-year-old man has been arrested on three felony drug trafficking warrants. The arrest comes after a lengthy investigation by the Huron County Drug Task Force, culminating in the apprehension of the former Owendale resident, Jordon D. Largent.
The Investigation
The investigation began in November of last year, focusing on methamphetamine being sold from an apartment on Main St. in Owendale. The outcome of this relentless pursuit was the arrest of Jordon D. Largent.
The Charges
Largent was arraigned in the 73B District Court on three felony drug trafficking warrants related to methamphetamine sales. Additionally, he faced an unrelated misdemeanor shoplifting warrant. His bond was set at $6500 cash, and as of press time, he remains in jail unable to post his bond.
Community Involvement
The Huron County Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to report illegal drug activities. Tips can be made by calling the local police department, the Huron County Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours at 989-269-6500, Huron Central Dispatch’s non-emergency number anytime at 989-269-6421, or using the confidential TIPS Line at 989-269-2861.
How Meth Affects Michigan: A Growing Concern
According to a Special Report: Methamphetamine Use and Overdose Trends, Michigan has witnessed a concerning rise in methamphetamine use, a trend that has sent shockwaves through communities and healthcare systems across the state. The increase in meth-related incidents has been alarming, with data from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) showing a significant rise in methamphetamine-related responses from 2019 to 2021.
The Statistics
The numbers are staggering. Between 2010 and 2021, deaths involving psychostimulants with abuse potential, excluding cocaine, increased by 3,345% annually in Michigan. A whopping 92% of these deaths in 2021 were related to methamphetamine. The average monthly methamphetamine-related EMS responses increased by 85% from 2019 to 2021.
The Geography of Meth Use
The problem is widespread. All regions of the state experienced increasing methamphetamine-related EMS responses in 2020. From 2019 to 2021, the Upper Peninsula had the highest rate of methamphetamine-related EMS responses.
The Deadly Combination
Adding to the complexity of the issue, fentanyl was present in over 60% of methamphetamine-positive decedents in the first half of 2022. The mixing of methamphetamine with other substances, such as opioids, increases the risk of brain injury and death.
The Demographics
The demographic patterns reveal that males and residents ages 25-44 had the highest rates of methamphetamine-related EMS responses and deaths in 2021. By race, white non-Hispanic residents had the highest rate of methamphetamine-related EMS responses, while American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanic residents had the highest rate of methamphetamine-related deaths.
The Response
The state’s response has been to recommend scaling up evidence-based stimulant use disorder treatments, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management (CM), and Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA). Emphasis on opioid harm reduction techniques, such as naloxone and fentanyl test strip distribution, should also continue.
Conclusion
The quick rise in methamphetamine use in Michigan is not just a statistic; it’s a public health crisis with far-reaching implications. The trends described in the recent report illustrate the urgent need for focused interventions, tailored treatments, and continued support for harm reduction strategies. The fight against meth in Michigan is a battle that must be waged on multiple fronts, with the understanding that the overdose epidemic cannot be addressed by focusing on opioid use alone.
The arrest of Jordon D. Largent is a testament to the relentless efforts of the Huron County Drug Task Force in combating drug trafficking in the area. The community’s support and vigilance play a vital role in these successes, ensuring a safer environment for all.
