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Detroit Strip Clubs Raided, Shuttered

Detroit Strip Clubs Raided, Shuttered

The Detroit News March 31, 2018

In coordinated operations across Wayne County, law enforcement officers raided the Detroit area's strip clubs, announced Wayne Country Sheriff Benny Napoleon.

"We found evidence of drug use, prostitution and human trafficking in many clubs," said Sheriff Napoleon. "Those clubs have been shuttered."

Detroit's notorious strip clubs have long been rumored to allow illegal activities. In many clubs customers can buy "extras," a code word for acts of prostitution.

The crackdown comes in the wake of a twelve-year investigation. Undercover officers have spent tens of thousands of man-hours to gather evidence of wrong-doing. Overtime pay and hazardous duty pay for the investigation total well over $4 million.

"Officers worked tirelessly on this case, putting in many hours of overtime late in the night and on weekends," said Vice Commander Anthony Comstock. "They have displayed exemplary dedication in the face of danger."

Those strip clubs found to be havens of prostitution and drug sales will remain closed, explained Officer Comstock. "Clean" clubs like Bouzouki's in downtown Detroit and Bogart's in the suburb of Inkster will be permitted to continue to operate.

During the raids, law enforcement officers arrested dancers and patrons caught in acts of prostitution. Strippers and customers were also checked for outstanding warrants and drug possession. Violators were taken into custody and booked into the Wayne County jail.

At the infamous Penthouse Club on Eight Mile Road, law enforcement officers found booths in which "lap dances" could be performed for all to see. The officers put up curtains to block the view.

The raids mostly took place without incident. Overwhelming numbers of officers hit the clubs to insure the safety of law enforcement. Most customers and dancers were not arrested and quietly left the clubs as police requested.

A violent incident did, however, occur at the Flight Club in Inkster. An old man, seated in "perverts' row" next to the stage, clung to a stripper pole and refused the lawful order to leave the premises. Six law enforcement officers had to beat him unmercifully with billy clubs until he released his death grip on the pole.

"I only wanted them to eat my lasagna," the old man cried as he was dragged out of the club in handcuffs.

Officer Comstock explained that "eat my lasagna" is slang for a particularly revolting sex act.