Drug bust cleanups: Who pays?
TRAVERSE CITY -- We're taking a closer look at the cost illegal drugs have on the community.
According to Detective Lieutenant Kip Belcher with the Traverse Narcotics Team, meth busts are on the rise in Northern Michigan. Each one costs taxpayers thousands for cleanup.
Detective Lt. Belcher says, "It's quite a production for the cleanup side of things. It is not easy, it's not cheap."
The cost of a methamphetamine cleanup in Northern Michigan is between $3,000 and $10,000. The Drug Enforcement Agency has a special fund made up partly with taxpayer money specifically for the disposal process. Residents have different views on the expense.
Traverse City resident, Chris Gleaton says, "I work very hard for the money I make. I pay a lot in taxes as a result, but there are people that don't pay any taxes and they are also the ones that are causing a lot of these problems."
Traverse City resident, Justin Knapp says, " I think it's a good use of taxpayer money. It makes neighborhoods safer and cleaner."
Here is how the money is spent. Trained contractors with a high level of expertise in drug chemistry, chemical burns, and toxic fumes are hired. Detective Lieutenant Belcher says there are no contractors in Northern Michigan, they travel from Milwaukee, Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo to help with the bust.
