Depending on where you live in Michigan, you may or may not be exposed to gang-related activity or even recruitment. In case you didn't know, gangs in Michigan play a major role in the distribution of illegal substances, but it's not all motorcycle runs and cryptic handshakes. According to the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ), Michigan's gangs have evolved into highly organized operations where everything from cocaine to weapons is distributed right under our noses.

These groups range from street gangs to outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs), both notorious for keeping drug markets alive, especially in Detroit and Grand Rapids.

Michigan's Highly Organized Gangs

Graffiti is seen on a Michigan street.
Canva
loading...

If the first image that your mind conjures when you hear the word "gang" is a bunch of kids with bandanas and knives fighting over turf, then it's time to expand your mind. Gangs, like everything and everyone else, have gone digital. From fake rap labels to cell phones and the internet, these organizations have found a way to mask their criminal activities and diversify their portfolio.

99.1 WFMK logo
Get our free mobile app

Their recruitment efforts targeting kids have also gone digital, and the prospects are understandably hard to resist for someone facing money troubles. According to World Population Review, street-level gang members can make as much as $5,000 a month. However, when you consider an average day on the job involves selling illegal substances, assault, or, in some extreme cases, murder.

Michigan Gangs 'Turf Wars' Aren't Over Neighborhoods, But Profit

Graffiti is seen on a Michigan street.
Canva
loading...

Money is a great motivator, and for some Michigan gangs, losing a sales territory could mean losses in the six to seven digits. So, 'turf wars' are essentially fought over highly profitable tracts of land that rivals would love to sell. They are willing to go to great lengths to protect their 'sales territory,' and they don't settle disagreements with rock, paper, scissors, either.

RELATED: Michigan's Prison Population Growth Compared to Rest of US

So, while we are caught in traffic, these gangs are carving out territories and battling for dominance. It's a dangerous game with even more dangerous consequences, especially for communities and families caught in the crossfire.

The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in America

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

What Are Michigan's 10 Leading Causes Of Death?

While science has come a long way, we all have an expiration date. When your time comes to an end in Michigan, chances are it will be the result of one of Michigan's Top 10 Causes of Death, according to Michigan's Department of Health and Human Service's (MDHSS) Health Statistics.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

The Most Deadly 10 Miles of Road in Every State

If you've ever 'white-knuckled' your way through traffic, there's a good chance it happened in one of the United States' 50 worst traffic areas. WorldPopulationReview researched information from Car Insurance Comparison and Elk+Elk Lawfirm and determined which portion of the road had the most fatal crashes between 2000 and 2019. Here's a look at The Most Deadly 10 Miles of Road in Every State.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

More From 99.1 WFMK