HOUGHTON AND BARAGA COUNTIES, MI— Two men suspected of distributing drugs in Baraga and Houghton counties have been arrested by the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team.
Last Thursday, UPSET detectives executed three search warrants at known drug houses.
The first was executed at a residence in Dollar Bay. Detectives seized meth, electronic devices, and $650 in cash. Bredon Hanks, 27, was arrested and lodged in the Houghton County Jail.
The second warrant was executed at a house in Hancock. UPSET seized MDMA—commonly known as ecstasy—fentanyl compounds, and carfentanil, a powerful synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Detectives also seized counterfeit pills, electronic devices, and $430 in cash. Michael Jestila, 60, was arrested and lodged in the Baraga County Jail.
A third search warrant was executed at a Baraga County residence believed to be owned by Jestila. Small amounts of cocaine and meth were seized.
Jestila was arraigned in Baraga County District Court Friday on a charge of delivery of meth. He remains lodged on a $5,000 bond.
Hanks was arraigned in Houghton County District Court on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. His bond was set at $100,000.
Detectives from UPSET were assisted by personnel from the Hancock Police Department, Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police Calumet Post, MSP Emergency Support Team, MSP Traffic Safety Team, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
