Yearly comparisons in Illinois see higher drug enforcement rates

When it comes to state drug initiatives, there are three types of measures. These are prevention measures, treatment measures and enforcement measures. Units like the Multi-County Narcotics Enforcement Group in Illinois focus on the enforcement aspect of things.

According to WCBU, Illinois drug enforcement units have seen an uptick in the overall amount of enforcement rates and drug seizures in 2021.

Peoria Metro and beyond

MEG units reportedly closed over 1100 cases involving drug enforcement in the state of Illinois. These busts included 25 seizures of drugs including cannabis, meth, heroin and fentanyl. Fentanyl and heroin seizures in particular saw a significant rise in 2021.

The reported causes for this rise are twofold: more drugs circulating through the state and larger enforcement efforts. These efforts focus on large amounts of illegal drugs through high-level narcotics traffickers.

The total amount of seized illegal drugs in the state’s last fiscal year rose to nearly $71 million. It is unclear how many people that enforcement units arrested.

Drug charges large and small

It is important to remember that drug charges are not proof of guilt. Drug charges for controlled substances cost people big. These costs include years of jail time and thousands of dollars worth of fines.

A person facing drug charges deserves a strategic defense against these government accusations.  This applies to first-time offenders and those with past convictions.

It is important for anyone in this situation to know their options. For those facing allegations, there are defenses. For those facing convictions, there are programs and classes available for defendants who meet certain criteria.