UPSET arrests 2 in Ontonagon County on meth charges

ONTONAGON — Following a three-month investigation, detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team arrested a 31-year-old male from Rockland, and a 29-year-old male from White Pine, on Wednesday for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a 20-year felony, according to a Thursday press release.

UPSET detectives had developed information that the suspects had been distributing large quantities of methamphetamine to Ontonagon County for the past several months, the UPSET release said.

Detectives determined the suspects were traveling to Michigan from Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday. The vehicle was located on U.S. 45 near Bruce Crossing and a traffic stop was conducted by troopers from the Michigan State Police Hometown Security Team, the release said.

An exterior search of the vehicle was conducted by the HST K-9 unit, which indicated to suspected drugs in the engine compartment area. During a search of the vehicle troopers discovered a half pound of methamphetamine in the engine compartment along with two pounds of marijuana in the rear storage compartment, the release said.

Detectives also seized a digital scale, cell phones and other drug paraphernalia used to smuggle illegal drugs.

An additional search warrant was executed on French Shanty Road in Rockland. Detectives seized a pistol, three rifles, more digital scales and other electronic devices, according to the release.

The suspects names will not be released until their arraignment in 98th District Court in Ontonagon County. The case is being reviewed by the Ontonagon County prosecutor’s office and additional charges are expected, said the release.

UPSET was assisted by MSP–Hometown Security Team, MSP-Wakefield Post, Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department and Dishaw Towing.