The Warren Sun

Last week, Representative John James of Michigan's 10th district engaged in a discussion with Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard during a session of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. The focus was on the growing threat posed by illicit drugs in communities, particularly the impact of fentanyl.

The United States, and Southeast Michigan in particular, has been facing an overdose crisis. According to data from the Center for Disease Control, Michigan reported 2,931 overdose deaths in 2024. This figure exceeds the total number of U.S. military casualties over two decades in Afghanistan.

John James expressed concern about opioid addiction affecting communities nationwide, emphasizing its impact on his constituents in Oakland and Macomb counties. He criticized past policies for contributing to widespread devastation and emphasized the need for current efforts to address these issues.

Sheriff Mike Bouchard, who has extensive experience in law enforcement and has served as Oakland County Sheriff since 2000, has been actively involved in combating fentanyl-related challenges in Southeast Michigan.

Rep. James praised Sheriff Bouchard's leadership: “He knows firsthand what's going on in our communities, and he has been successful leading for Southeast Michigan." James highlighted several significant drug seizures attributed to Bouchard's efforts: "In May 2024, 500 grams of cocaine, 50 grams of fentanyl and Oxycontin were seized. April 2024, $20,000 in cocaine, fentanyl and other drugs confiscated. March 2023, 41.5 kilos of fentanyl—enough to kill all 10.3 million Michiganders—were confiscated because of the leadership of Sheriff Mike Bouchard and his phenomenal team."

James expressed gratitude for Bouchard's leadership and friendship while looking forward to insights from their discussion.