An Eastpointe man faces serious charges after a drug bust in Macomb and Wayne counties that led to the confiscation of drugs and firearms, authorities said. Zerell Archie, 29, was charged with multiple felonies including drug manufacturing and distribution, felony firearm, and child abuse, according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.
During the search in Eastpointe and Detroit, law enforcement seized nearly eight grams of crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl pills totaling 117 in number, over a thousand dollars in cash, psilocybin, seven firearms, and a Dodge Ram pickup. With five children present at the property from where the firearms were seized, most of the weapons were "loaded and unsecured," according to The Detroit News.
Archie was arraigned on Friday with the bail set at $75,000 or 10% cash. He was charged with delivery/manufacture of cocaine—a 20-year felony, delivery/manufacture of oxycodone—a 5-year felony, felony firearm—a 2-year felony, possession of psilocybin, and fourth-degree child abuse—both 1-year misdemeanors, as stated in a ClickOnDetroit report.
The arrest was the result of a collaborative effort between several law enforcement agencies including the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET), County of Macomb Enforcement Team (COMET), Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team. As reported by FOX 2 Detroit, the drugs were scattered throughout the property along with various paraphernalia indicating distribution activity.
When detained, Archie was arrested without incident and thereafter was lodged in Macomb County Jail where he awaits the legal proceedings that could see him face up to 29 years imprisonment if convicted. It's a sobering reminder of the intersection where the perilous industry of narcotics, weapons, and endangerment of the innocents converge, a perilous blend that disrupts communities and families alike.
