U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced that Lonnie Morrow from Kalamazoo has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl. Morrow, aged 33, is set to be sentenced on March 19, 2024, and could face between five and forty years in federal prison.
"As little as two milligrams of fentanyl (a few grains of sand) can kill," said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "The trafficking of illegal drugs, especially fentanyl, is driving the ongoing epidemic of drug poisoning deaths here at home and across the United States. My office is committed to disrupting the flow of these poisons into our communities."
The plea agreement reveals that Morrow was found with approximately 10,800 pills containing fentanyl, weighing over 1,100 grams. The discovery occurred during a traffic stop on March 9, 2024, conducted by officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET). In addition to the fentanyl pills hidden under Morrow's seat, a subsequent search uncovered three firearms, ammunition, cocaine, and more than $12,000 in cash at his apartment.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2023 there were at least 107,543 drug poisoning deaths across the United States. This figure is close to an all-time high recorded in 2022 when there were 111,029 such deaths. In Michigan alone, drug poisonings claimed at least 2,931 lives in 2023. Fentanyl was responsible for about three-quarters of these fatalities nationwide.
Despite recent data showing a decline in drug-related deaths across the country this year compared to previous highs, numbers remain significant.
For those affected by addiction or their loved ones seeking support:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 or visit www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis.
- Cope Network offers free Naloxone and harm reduction services in Barry County among others; contact them at 269-580-8290 or www.copenetwork.org.
- The Grand Rapids Red Project provides similar services within Kent County through number(s): Kent County -6164569063; Muskegon county–2315636865 & website: www.redproject.org
Additionally,the Michigan Department Of Health And Human Services maintains an informative webpage detailing local resources available throughout each county.
This case was investigated jointly by KDPS,KVENT along side assistance provided via Bureau Of Alcohol,Tobacco Firearms And Explosives(ATF).