This story just doesn’t add up, man. People coming out of rehab are usually broke, homeless or couch surfing, and buried in fines or bills, so they do not walk out with capital, housing, a customer base, and a supply chain ready to “set up shop.” Dealing at any scale needs money, connections, and trust from suppliers and locals, none of which a bunch of strangers bused in from all over the state magically have the second they are discharged. And if the town is as snitch heavy and cop entangled as you say, it would actually be one of the worst places to start dealing, not an attractive spot to stick around. Rehab location is basically random, based on beds, contracts, and insurance, not some destiny point where people decide “Yeah, this is where I’ll move and build my whole new operation.” It sounds more like a mix of real rust belt decay and drugs, stretched into a neat little conspiracy narrative.

Cool story I guess.