The Michigan State Police narcotics team known as BAYANET saw a significant increase in illegal narcotics seizures during 2020. BAYANET, which stands for Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, covers Saginaw, Bay, Midland and Gladwin counties. The unit recorded a 249 percent increase in cocaine seized, a 99 percent increase in crack cocaine seized and a 1,087 percent increase in crystal methamphetamine when compared to 2019.

State Police said the crystal methamphetamine increase is the most concerning, as the drug causes serious health issues and is highly addictive, which often leads to an increase in other criminal activity.

BAYANET reports seizing 4,843.65 grams of crystal methamphetamine with a street value of about $500,000 in 2020.

BAYANET also shared the following statistics and information about drug seizures during 2020:

Cocaine
2019 – 1,797.06 GM
2020 – 6,288.87 GM – 249.95% Increase

Crack
2019 – 970.40 GM
2020 – 1,937.29 GM – 99.6% Increase

Crystal Methamphetamine
2019 – 408.23 GM
2020 – 4,843.65 GM – 1087% Increase

Heroin
2019 – 826.9 GM
2020 – 59.1 GM – -92.9% Decrease

Methamphetamine
2019 – 182.71 GM
2020 – 3,375 GM – 1747% Increase

Crystal meth is the common name for crystal methamphetamine, a strong and highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. There is no legal use for it. It comes in clear crystal chunks or shiny blue-white rocks. Also called “ice” or “glass,” it is a popular party drug. Usually, users smoke crystal meth with a small glass pipe, but they may also swallow it, snort it, or inject it into a vein. People say they have a quick rush of euphoria shortly after using it. But it is dangerous. It can damage your body and cause severe psychological problems. Most of the crystal meth used in this country comes from Mexican “superlabs.” But there are many small labs in the U. S. Some are in personal homes. Making meth is a dangerous process because of the chemicals involved. Along with being toxic, they can cause explosions. The powerful rush people get from using meth causes many to get addicted right from the start. When it is used, a chemical called dopamine floods the parts of the brain that regulate feelings of pleasure. Users also feel confident and energetic. Meth can make a user’s body temperature rise so high they could pass out or even die. A user may feel anxious and confused, be unable to sleep, have mood swings, and become violent. Looks can change dramatically. A user may age quickly. Their skin may dull, and they can develop hard-to-heal sores. They
may have a dry mouth and stained, broken, or rotting teeth. They may also become paranoid. They may hear and see things that are not there. They may think about hurting themselves or others. They may also feel as though insects are crawling on or under their skin.

Signs of crystal methamphetamine use:
• Not caring about personal appearance or grooming
• Obsessively picking at hair or skin
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dilated pupils and rapid eye movement
• Strange sleeping patterns — staying up for days or even weeks at a time

• Jerky, erratic movements; twitching; facial tics; animated or exaggerated mannerisms; and
constant talking
• Borrowing money often, selling possessions, or stealing
• Angry outbursts or mood swings
• Psychotic behavior, such as paranoia and hallucinations

Anyone with information pertaining to the use of or distribution of illegal narcotics in Saginaw, Bay, Midland or Gladwin counties is encouraged to make an anonymous tip at Crime Stoppers of Michigan 800-733-2587 or call BAYANET at 989-790-6581.