Archive for September, 2010

Michigan   is a hub for travel both domestically, as well as internationally. This is great for businesses; however it leaves Michigan “wide open” for the smuggling of drugs. On an international level, Michigan borders Canada. There are 721 miles of international borders that Michigan must worry about in regard to illicit drugs coming into its state. This is a large area, with only Alaska’s Canadian border, topping it. Although the United States government monitors this international border, it is difficult to constantly watch every inch of it, 24/7.  Michigan feels the consequences for this border not being under constant surveillance, with drugs flowing freely into its territories. Although, Michigan is trying desperately to control this activity, it just does not have the “manpower” to adequately prevent it.  Of course, illegal drugs also are transported into Michigan by air, rail, and the many highways that pass through this state. State law enforcement teams work together with federal agencies to attempt to put a stop to these harmful and dangerous activities.

Michigan feels that, with the assistance of its citizens, it can be more successful in “wiping out” drugs within its state. They think that the key lies with prevention associated to this illicit activity, and of course prevention is accomplished by educating individuals from an early age on thru adulthood, about the evils and dangers of drug misuse and/ or abuse. This method seems to be pointing Michigan in the right direction, however there are many individuals who either would not listen to their educators, or became addicted before the preventive education curriculums were implemented into the state’s system. For these people, Michigan supports and funds, treatment centers along with the federal government to help with a “cure”. State officials know that Michigan can be more successful and maintain a higher status of living when its residents are more productive. In order to be productive, these people must lead a non addictive lifestyle, and Michigan is desperately trying to accomplish this. Yes, Michigan predicts that in a few years, it will be “Drug free”; it just needs the help of all of its residents!

One reason that Michigan is a popular state for illicit drug activity lies with its location and proximity to waterways, as well as international borders. Michigan has access to the great lakes which serve as a way in which to carry drugs in and out of the state easily.  Although boat travel is monitored to a degree, drugs can be smuggled in large quantities in a disguised manner through products. This is a problem that has been ongoing for many years and is implemented through organized crime syndicates.  The international border between the United States and Canada poses another way in which drugs can enter and exit Michigan.  This border is so vast that it is almost impossible for the American government, as well as the Canadian officials, to monitor and/ or surveil every inch of its boundaries. There just is not enough money and manpower to do this! The drug dealers realize this and know the spots that are weak in regard to smuggling illicit substances across the border. They take advantage of transporting their substances into the state of Michigan at these areas. Michigan also has great access to all types of highways   and/ or interstates that cross through its borders. A way that a lot of drugs are carried by roads is in trucks. These substances are hidden in items and/ or products and smuggled into and out of Michigan. Of course, air travel is also another method that is used in relation to addictive substances that are brought into Michigan, as well as out of its boundaries.  There are just so many ways for drugs to be carried into Michigan, due to its accessibility.

Michigan has many state agencies that are constantly working to reduce the transporting of drugs in and out of its borders. It is making some progress, however it has a long way to go. Laws are becoming stricter, as are the punishments that are going with them. With harsher prison sentences, warnings are sent out to all of those individuals engaging in illegal drug activity within the state of Michigan. This, in itself, is hoped to persuade those persons involved in the transport and/ or dealing of illicit drugs, to   curtail their business in Michigan.