FILE - This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah and introduced as evidence at a trial shows fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills collected during an investigation. Congress has voted to temporarily extend a sweeping tool that has helped federal agents crack down on drugs chemically similar to fentanyl. The Senate on Thursday, April 29, 2021, approved legislation extending until October an order that allows the federal government to classify so-called fentanyl analogues as Schedule I controlled substances. The drugs are generally foreign-made with a very close chemical makeup to the dangerous opioid. (U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah via AP, File)
Local law enforcement says it’s basically a 24/7 battle against the infiltration of drugs and drug abuse.
Lieutenant Dave Remiker of the Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit says it is like “night and day” when he began his career in the city of Manitowoc nearly 25 years ago.
“In the late ’90s, when I worked as a narcotics investigator, there were some boundaries, so to speak, in the city where if you north of the Manitowoc River you really didn’t have a lot of drug issues.” He says that is no longer the case. “We see cases all over the city now. I can’t say there’s one area that’s heavier than others when it relates to drug activity or drug behavior.”
Remiker says fentanyl has surpassed heroin as the drug of choice, in part because users have developed a tolerance to it and it’s become more accessible to buyers and sellers. He was asked if the activity has picked up since the reopening of the U.S. Mexico border.
“We receive tips and information from other regional resources, national resources, DEA, also confirming what they believe is the increase of fentanyl coming across the border. Personally, I believe the border is not assisting us with allowing those narcotics coming across the border.” He added, “I can’t imagine it helping, but we’ve seen a pretty dramatic increase in fentanyl.”
Although a great number of crimes are solved and perpetrators are caught, police
cannot be everywhere at once. Remiker noted that whatever help the public can give is always helpful, and if folks see or notice any suspicious activity, they are advised to contact local law enforcement immediately.
