The Illinois State Police is reporting a large increase in dangerous drug and weapons seizures last year.
Director Brendan Kelly says the ISP’s Metropolitan Enforcement Groups or “MEGS” recovered an estimated $71-million in illegal drugs in 2021.
“Heroin seizures increased over 260%. Fentanyl and Carfentanil seizures went up by over 400%. Methamphetamine seizures was up 190%.”
Kelly says the nine MEG Units partner with state intelligence officers, Illinois National Guard Counter Drug Analysts and community groups to stop the flow of narcotics.
“The brave men and women assigned to these MEG’s are making a difference in our communities as they stand on the front lines of narcotic enforcement strategies and prevention. With a bigger national fight with opioid addiction, the need to fight this fight is at an all time high.”
Kelly says the MEG Units are expanding their efforts to fight human trafficking and gun crimes.
