Heroin suppliers apprehended and charged

From the Kent County Sheriff Department

In early 2013, the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (KANET) began an investigation into the distribution of heroin in the greater Kent County area. During the investigation, Ahmed “Peanut” Green was identified as a large scale heroin trafficker operating in Kent County Green has an extensive criminal history with multiple felony convictions for drug trafficking. The investigation indicated that he and others traveled to the Detroit area to obtain heroin that was later sold throughout Kent County to other retail dealers and users. KANET contacted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Grand Rapids Office to assist.

The investigation conducted by KANET, DEA Grand Rapids, DEA Detroit Group 19 and the United States Attorney’s Office (Western District) identified Paris Wells as the primary Detroit-area supplier to Green. The investigation revealed that the organization was responsible for the distribution of 14-20 kilograms of heroin in Kent County over the previous 18 months.

As a result, Ahmed Green, Paris Wells and Markita Choice have been charged in Federal Court by the United States Attorney’s Office in Grand Rapids with Conspiracy To Distribute more than One Kilogram of Heroin. In addition, Green has been charged with two counts of being an Armed Career Criminal. Five people face charges in state court, including Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Analogues, Marijuana, Heroin and Felon in Possession of Firearm.

Enforcement Actions conducted during the investigation included four search warrants and two controlled purchases in the Detroit area. The search warrants were executed at two residences, one commercial business that was operated as a front for heroin distribution and a bank safe deposit box. One of the residences was found to contain a heroin processing operation including presses and packaging material. In the greater Kent County area seven Search Warrants, two Consent Searches, two Buy/Busts and numerous controlled purchases were also conducted.

At the beginning of June, approximately 714 grams of heroin, 3 ounces of powder cocaine, 2-1/2 ounces of crack cocaine, 1-1/2 pounds of marijuana and 150 illegally diverted prescription pills have been recovered. Additionally, 20 vehicles (including a tow truck and two BMW sedans), 8 handguns and approximately $20,000 have been seized.

KANET is composed of Detectives from the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Grandville Police Department, East Grand Rapids Police Department, Walker Police Department and a Special Agent from the DEA Grand Rapids Office. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Courtade.

The charges in the federal indictments and complaints are merely allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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