CHIPPEWA COUNTY — A law enforcement group in the Eastern U.P. with a focus on drug enforcement has just wrapped up its first year of service.

The Tri-County Drug Enforcement Taskforce, which covers Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce counties, focuses on getting felony-level narcotics dealers off the streets in that area. Over its first year, Tri-Dent says it has taken part in 123 investigations, issued 88 arrest warrants, and arrested 66 alleged drug dealers.

The group took part in multiple meth investigations and even more heroin investigations over its first year. Detectives say the most narcotics found were opiate-based drugs like morphine, suboxone, and heroin.

Tri-Dent consists of full time detectives and several cross-trained officers from member agencies assisting in investigations as a part-time duty. All Tri-Dent detectives are put through an Advanced Narcotics Investigation School, surveillance school, and additional training. They remain very busy with ongoing investigations.

If you would like to leave an anonymous tip for Tri-Dent detectives, you can call (906) 630-0249 or send a message to tridentup@gmail.com. Those wishing to donate to the group can contact the Chippewa County Sheriff or the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department.

[Logo courtesy Tri-County Drug Enforcement Taskforce]