“On Feb. 5, detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team executed three search warrants at known drug houses and arrested two men who were suspected of distributing drugs in Baraga and Houghton Counties,” said a press release from UPSET.

The first search warrant was executed at a residence in Dollar Bay where detectives seized methamphetamine, electronic devices and $650 in cash. Bredon Hanks, a 27-year-old man, was arrested and lodged on charges relating to the distribution of meth and cocaine. Hicks was lodged at the Houghton County Jail.

The second search warrant was executed at a residence in Hancock. During a search of the residence detectives seized MDMA, fentanyl compounds and carfentanil, which “is a powerful synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than fentanyl,” according to the press release.

Detectives also seized counterfeit pills, electronic devices and $430 in cash. Michael Jestila, a 60-year-old man from Houghton County, was arrested for delivery of meth. Jestila was lodged in the Baraga County Jail.

Bredon Hanks

A third search warrant was executed at a residence in Baraga County that police believed was owned by Jestila. Amounts of cocaine and meth were seized.

In total, detectives seized over a quarter pound of crystal meth, an ounce of cocaine and smaller amounts of MDMA and fentanyl.

“These drugs hold a street value of over $15,000,” said the press release. The investigation remains ongoing.

UPSET detectives were assisted by personnel from the Hancock Police Department, Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police from the Calumet post, the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team, the Michigan State Police Traffic Safety Team, United States Postal Inspection Service and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.