Halloween in Detroit

This program explores the production, sale, and use of drugs. It contains graphic content that may not be suitable for all viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. Welcome to Detroit, a city that is always buzzing with activity. There's a certain time of year when chaos takes over, and drug dealers in the Motor City are looking to make a fortune. Halloween in Detroit is like no other, especially in the rave scene where drug use is rampant. It's a gritty environment out here. Halloween generates more revenue than Christmas in just 48 frantic hours. The police are cracking down while the dealers are arming themselves. I always carry a gun because I'm not ready to give up what I'm doing, especially on Devil's Night, which is different from any other night in Detroit. It's like the devil himself visits the city. [Music]

Once a thriving hub of American industry, Detroit has seen two-thirds of its population leave, leaving behind high unemployment rates. Some people see drug dealing as a means of survival. As the city tries to recover from bankruptcy, holidays like Halloween provide an escape for Detroit residents looking to forget their troubles and an opportunity for dealers to make money. Hustle is a way of life in Detroit; everyone is constantly working hard, whether it's in blue-collar jobs, white-collar professions, or the streets. Rhino leads a gang of six street dealers who supply various drugs such as ecstasy, heroin, acid, and weed. Whatever you desire, they can get it for you. Halloween is a prime time for their business, especially cocaine, which they bring in from Chicago. The demand picks up, and things get a bit wild. Users need their fix, and we supply it.

Rhino hopes to double his investment by earning $50,000 over the next two days. As the money grows, they expand their operation. But for Rhino to move more product, he has to exert pressure on his dealers. If they fail to deliver, they could face dire consequences. Violence is an inherent part of the drug trade in Detroit. Though authorities are trying to clean up the city, money is scarce, and there are nearly 80,000 abandoned buildings, providing perfect cover for the drug trade. Jelly Bean, one of Rhino's street dealers, knows these buildings well. He uses them to sell half a kilo of cocaine, but he has to be careful. He's had past conflicts with rival gangs trying to take over his territory. Violence is a constant threat, and Jelly Bean always keeps an eye out for his safety.

In the 1980s and 90s, Halloween in Detroit became infamous for arson, but locals fought back to protect their streets and abandoned buildings. They realized they didn't have to destroy their own neighborhood. With crime rates dropping, police can focus on other issues, but Jelly Bean isn't concerned about them. He knows the dealers won't give up, and they're always ready to resort to violence to protect their hustle. The battle between law enforcement and dealers is ongoing, and often suburban police forces have to step in since the Detroit police are low on resources. Undercover officers set up operations to catch the dealers, but they have to be cautious because the dealers are becoming more astute at detecting cops. If they sense something is wrong, they vanish. The undercover officers work alongside suburban police to apprehend the dealers as they cross the border.

Jelly Bean prefers to stick to his own turf around Eight Mile Road, which divides the city. To the south, you have inner-city Detroit where the dealers operate, while the more affluent suburbs to the north are where the users reside. The police try to eliminate both the dealers and the users, but it's an ongoing battle. With limited resources, the suburban police often play a crucial role in apprehending dealers. They catch those who venture into their jurisdiction, as many dealers prefer to stay within Detroit city limits.

Meanwhile, Ziggy and Casper, two other dealers, specialize in party drugs like Molly. They claim to offer some of the purest and strongest substances in Detroit. Ziggy deals in pure MDMA, while Casper sells a slightly less potent form known as "ex." They know their products well, and they warn users about the dangers of adulterated drugs. They pride themselves on providing a high-quality experience to their customers. The demand for party drugs is high during Halloween, and Ziggy and Casper want to capitalize on it. They have already made significant profits and are looking to expand their operation further.

Border patrol officers have their hands full trying to stop drugs from crossing over from Canada into Detroit. Detroit's location, with its downtown situated on the Canadian border, makes it an ideal distribution point for drugs coming into the US. Border patrol agents work tirelessly to apprehend drug traffickers, but it's a difficult task given the numerous access points along the border. The Ambassador Bridge, the busiest commercial crossing on the northern border, poses a significant challenge for law enforcement.

One drug trafficker, Cuckoo, makes regular trips from Canada to Detroit. She prefers not to know the specifics of what she's transporting, whether it's drugs or money. She's driven to engage in drug trafficking due to financial constraints and the need to provide for her children. Although risky, the fast money is hard to resist. The border patrol is constantly on the lookout for traffickers like Cuckoo, trying to intercept drugs before they enter Detroit.

Mark Hall, a border patrol agent, has seen the devastating effects of drugs firsthand. He's seized millions of dollars worth of illicit substances and is well aware of the dangers they pose to the community. Halloween is a particularly busy time for drug trafficking, and Mark is prepared for anything.

Back in Detroit, Jelly Bean's Halloween night hasn't gone as planned. The police presence and surveillance have made it difficult for him to conduct his business. He's had to move around, searching for opportunities and avoiding any potential trouble. The risks are high, but Jelly Bean is determined to make some money.

Ziggy and Casper, on the other hand, have managed to avoid law enforcement and are enjoying a successful night. The demand for their party drugs has been high, and they're making substantial profits. They plan to reinvest their earnings and continue expanding their operation.

While some dealers thrive, law enforcement is working hard to combat drug trafficking. In a joint operation between Detroit police and border patrol, an illegal rave has been raided. Officers have seized drugs, weapons, and made several arrests. The operation has been a success in taking down a significant drug distribution network.

The night in Detroit continues with paramedics like Wyatt responding to emergencies. They face the grim reality of drug overdose cases and violence. It's a constant battle to save lives and maintain order in the city.

For Jelly Bean, it's been a slow night, and the prospects of making a significant profit have diminished. He remains resilient, knowing that in Detroit, survival is the ultimate goal. Halloween may be over, but the hustle never stops.