9 arrested in 3 UPSET drug busts

Detectives with the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team made nine arrests in three drug cases in the Escanaba and Ishpeming areas earlier this week.

Maurice Shaunetz Gray, of South Bend, Ind., and Jennifer Savanguaongsavanh, of Milwaukee, were arrested by UPSET detectives on Monday after they were spotted at an Ishpeming hotel. According a news release, the pair hve been the targets of an UPSET investigation for the last several months.

During the arrest, detectives located heroin, morphine, packaging materials and more than $4,200 in cash, the release said.

Gray is facing three counts for delivery of heroin and Savanguaongsavanh is facing a charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin and morphine.

UPSET members also arrested an Escanaba man on Monday for delivery of heroin. The suspect’s name wasn’t being released until his arraignment in federal court on charges for conspiracy to deliver heroin. He is the third person facing federal distribution of heroin charges related to the investigation, according to the release.

Two other Escanaba men were arrested at the same time and are facing state court charges of loitering and maintaining a drug house. A total of $4,800 in cash was also seized during the arrest.

UPSET also made four arrests related to another Escanaba heroin investigation. On Tuesday, detectives arrested an Escanaba man on two counts for delivery of heroin. This suspect, who is expected to face charges in federal court, was arrested at an Escanaba residence. While searching the residence, detectives seized heroin, drug packaging material and more than $13,700 in cash.

The suspect’s name is being withheld pending arraignment because of the ongoing nature of the investigation.

On Wednesday, three more Escanaba residents were arrested for being involved with distributing heroin, cocaine and prescription pills, in connection with the investigation.

According to the release, one suspect was arrested on a felony warrant for delivery of heroin, a second was arrested on a two-count felony warrant for delivery of prescription pills and the third was arrested on a felony warrant for delivery of cocaine.

On Wednesday, UPSET also seized more than 50 marijuana plants growing near Fordney Road and M-123 in Luce County’s McMillian Township. No arrests were made and the investigation remains open.

—Richard Jenkins