ONTONAGON — A 31-year-old male from Rockland and a 29-year-old male from White Pine were arrested Wednesday by detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a 20-year felony.

This followed a three-month investigation, according to an UPSET news 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 release states. “Detectives determined the suspects were traveling to Michigan from Dayton, Ohio, on March 3, 2021.

“The vehicle was located on U.S. 45 near Bruce Crossing and a traffic stop was conducted by troopers from the MSP Hometown Security Team.”

An exterior search of the vehicle was conducted by the HST K-9 unit, which “indicated to suspected drugs in the engine compartment area,” police said.

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, according to the release.

“Detectives also seized a digital scale, cellphones and other drug paraphernalia used to smuggle illegal drugs,” police said.

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

The suspects’ names will not be released until their arraignment in 98th District Court, Ontonagon County.

The case is being reviewed by the Ontonagon County Prosecutor’s office and additional charges are expected.

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