News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michigan Drug Czar Receives Briefing From DEA Detroit On Drug Situation

APR 29--Detroit, MI- Recently appointed Michigan Drug Czar, Yvonne Blackmond visited the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Division Office and met with the Executive Staff. Ms. Blackmond has demonstrated an interest in maintaining a strong relationship with the DEA in Michigan as she examines her new position. As part of her visit to the DEA Detroit Office, Ms. Blackmond was presented with numerous drug situation briefings.

SAC Michael Braun opened the briefing with an overview of the international and domestic United States drug situations and how Michigan plays into those area regarding intelligence, drugs of choice, money laundering and international trafficking. ASAC Joseph Rannazzisi presented a briefing on the current club drug and designer drug situation in Michigan and how it has evolved over the past several years. ASAC John Arvanitis gave a briefing on the DEA Special Operations Division and its role in multi-jurisdictional investigations.

Executives also presented Ms. Blackmond with a historical look at DEA operations in Michigan presently and in the future. Information and strategy was shared that has been used to reduce the growth of methamphetamine use and production in Michigan as well as recent successes such as "Operation Northernstar" to reduce international pseudoephedrine trafficking through Michigan to the Westcoast area for use in methamphetamine production. Special emphasis was placed on the formal and informal task force relationships, which have been extremely beneficial in providing a synchronized enforcement approach throughout the state.