Police Staying Alert on Synthetic Drug Issue in Shelby Township

Since orchestrating the largest narcotics bust in Shelby Township history last Halloween, police have made the search for synthetic marijuana a part of their regular patrol duties.

And while things have been fairly quiet since that landmark event, which saw five members of the Dabish family arrested, Chief Roland Woelkers said the issue of synthetic marijuana remains high on the department’s radar.

“We’re regularly checking businesses and there are some things we’ve found that we’re not comfortable or happy with, but the state health department and state crime lab have not determined them to be illegal,” Woelkers said.

While , manufacturers are continuing to develop new substances not addressed in the legislation.

“We’re trying to stay on top of this as best we can,” Woelkers said. “We’re working with the prosecutor and state crime lab and we’re asking parents to be vigilant with their kids. “

Any citizen looking for assistance in determining whether a product is illegal should contact the police department, Woelkers added.

“We’re working really hard to get things as they pop up, but the manufacturers are getting more sophisticated in their creation and it’s difficult for us and the state crime lab,” he said. “It’s a big problem and it’s going to be for awhile. We’re just getting a handle on it now.”

Woelkers recommends that parents keep the lines of communications with their children open and use community resources such as CARE to research the substances being used and seek counseling if necessary.

“The bottom line is parents have to be responsible for their kids. There are a lot of things that aren’t illegal that kids are putting into their bodies that are harmful. Parents need to monitor their kids.”

Those interested in learning more about the dangers of synthetic drugs or helping plan an awareness rally later this month outside the Express Gas Station and Woodstock Tobacco shop on Van Dyke are invited to attend a community meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 4, at the King of Kings Church in Shelby Township.

This meeting is being oganized by Shelby Township resident Bill Miskokomon and the community organization People Against Illegal Drugs (PAID).