MANISTIQUE — A several-month investigation into drug trafficking in Schoolcraft County has resulted in the arrest of one suspect, police said.

According to a press release from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team, UPSET detectives obtained credible information the suspect, 33-year-old Jon Zentner, was traveling to the Lansing area to obtain drugs.

One week ago, on Jan. 18 the suspect was observed traveling back to the area. A subsequent traffic stop was conducted by troopers from the Michigan State Police Traffic Safety Team.

“When troopers initiated the traffic stop, an object was thrown from the vehicle, later determined to be a pipe to smoke meth,” the press release states.

During the traffic stop, a MSP K-9 unit provided a positive alert to the vehicle. A search was conducted that resulted in the seizure of approximately 2 ounces of crystal meth that has a street value of nearly $2,000. The meth was located within the engine compartment of the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia and electronic evidence were also seized.

Zentner was lodged at the Schoolcraft County Jail on charges relating to the distribution of crystal meth. A passenger in the vehicle was arrested for an outstanding warrant and lodged in the Delta County Jail.

Additional charges will be sought for destruction of evidence. 

Besides the MSP Traffic Safety Team and K-9 unit, UPSET detectives were assisted by troopers from the MSP Manistique Outpost, the K-9 unit from the MSP post in Gladstone and the Michigan Intelligence Operation Center.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.