WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Warren Police Department has arrested and charged three people involved in a deadly drug trafficking organization. The arrests stem from the police department's Operation S.N.O.W. (Stopping Narcotic Overdoses in Warren).
The fourth man has been charged but is not in police custody.
Police say beginning in early November, Warren PD's Special Investigations Division started an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing fentanyl after the death of a 47-year-old Warren resident.
Investigators identified multiple key members and locations associated to the organization. A month-long intensive investigation comprised of a multitude of investigative techniques lead to the authorization of the following charges on four individuals: Criminal Enterprise-Conducting, Conspiracy to Deliver Fentanyl and Deliver/Manufacture Fentanyl.
Early morning raids were conducted by Warren Police units at two locations in Detroit. According to Commissioner Dwyer, investigators seized evidence that has identified in excess of 24 overdoses and 3 deaths from Warren. As the investigation continues, investigators are anticipating more charges and arrests in the near future.
Police believe this group is a cell in a major organization that is providing fentanyl to those addicted not only in Warren but also throughout the rest of Macomb County, as well as Wayne, St. Clair and Lapeer counties.
Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer says the culmination of the investigation resulted in the following arrests and charges:
1. Isaac Lee Bannerman 34-years-old: NOT IN CUSTODY
Charges:
- Conducting Criminal Enterprise – Drug Trafficking Organization - 20 year Felony
- 3 counts Deliver Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
- 3 counts Conspiracy to Conduct Deliver/Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
2. Jermaine Tate 38-years-old: $250,000 Cash or Surety Bond
Charges:
- Conducting Criminal Enterprise – Drug Trafficking Organization – 20 year Felony
- 1 count Deliver/Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
- 3 counts Conspiracy to Conduct Deliver/Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
3. Nathaniel Clark 32-years-old: $350,000 Cash or Surety Bond
Charges:
- Conducting Criminal Enterprise – Drug Trafficking Organization - 20 year Felony
- 3 counts Deliver Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
- 3 counts Conspiracy to Conduct Deliver/Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
4. Terry Jamal Gaskins 34-years-old: $50,000 Cash or Surety Bond
Charges:
- Conducting Criminal Enterprise – Drug Trafficking Organization - 20 year Felony
- 3 counts Deliver Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
- 3 counts Conspiracy to Conduct Deliver/Manufacture Fentanyl – 20 year Felony
In 2019, there were 72,000 overdose deaths nationwide. Overdose deaths in 2020 have so far increased by 13% over 2019 in the United States. Michigan averages 26.6 overdose deaths per 100,000 people in the population. The increase in deaths from 2019 – 2020 is attributed to illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl.
Commissioner Dwyer stated that in Warren alone for the year 2020 we have had 296 overdoses up from 249 in 2019, which is an 18.8% increase. Sadly, the amount of overdose deaths has increased from 29 reported in 2019 to 55 overdose deaths in 2020. This represents an 89.6% increase.
Warren Mayor Jim Fouts released this statement in response to the investigation:
I wish to applaud the accomplishments of the Warren Police Department on the results Operation S.N.O.W. It has been a priority of my administration to work on eliminating drug overdoses and holding those who distribute these toxins throughout our City accountable. I have and will continue to support the Police Department in their efforts to fight this nationwide epidemic and to keep Warren a safe and clean city.
