By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE — Three people were arrested on drug charges, and illicit substances were seized, after a routine traffic stop, for equipment violations, occurred the night of Aug. 11 in the 3200 block of Goddard Road.
A 38-year-old Belleville woman, a 36-year-old Ypsilanti man and a 55-year-old Westland man were arrested on drug charges, after 90 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a substantial amount of heroin and cocaine were found in the vehicle, as well as numerous concealed syringes.
Before the suspects could be handcuffed, they ingested some of the illegal drugs, and became lethargic and symptomatic, perhaps hoping that they would be transported to the hospital instead of jail.
However, the arresting police officers stayed with them at the hospital for 12 hours, until they were medically cleared, to prevent them from escaping, and eventually escorted them to jail.
Deputy Police Chief Archie Hamilton said the drug arrest illustrates the importance of traffic stops.
“These type of pretextual traffic stops are an important tool for law enforcement,” he said. “Often, the occupants will be released with only a warning if no criminal indicators are present.
“However, when an officer detects signs of criminal activity, it often results in the removal of illicit firearms and drugs from our streets, and prevents tragedies such as drug overdoses and shootings.”
Hamilton said police officers do this type of work daily, and it is often misperceived, but it spares families the heartache of losing a loved one.
“This type of police work is immeasurable,” he said.