Rarely is a drug related offense considered minor. However, when drug charges come in conjunction with possible child endangerment, the consequences expand tenfold. Three people from Michigan were arrested on drug possession charges last week after a raid revealed the presence of marijuana and methamphetamine. Not only that, but present at the time of the raid were five children ages eight and under.
According to members from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, police officers located marijuana and methamphetamine when they raided an apartment in Haggar Township. Hagar is located slightly southwest of Grand Rapids Michigan. The state human services department took custody of the children shortly after the raid took place. The youngest child president at the time of the drug bust is only 14 weeks old.
Law enforcement officials conducted the raid after they investigated the apartment over a two week period. The bust resulted in drug charges and the arrest of a 30-year-old woman, a 31-year-old man and a second man, 26 years old. The 26-year-old was arrested on charges of maintaining a drug house. The woman was arrested for methamphetamine possession, and the other male was charged with marijuana possession. Police also state that they confiscated $351 in cash.
Possession of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine are serious charges in and of themselves. However, the fact that children were present at the time of the raid makes this case a bit more concerning. There’s currently no information as to whether or not the trio will be charged in conjunction with endangering the children, but it’s safe to say that each person will require legal representation in facing the charges associated with drug possession.
Source: WWMT, “Police find 5 children during Michigan drug raid,” Aug. 11, 2011