ESCANABA — A traffic stop and a search warrant executed at an Escanaba Tavern has lead to two Delta County men facing cocaine charges, according to detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET).

On May 1, two Delta County men were arraigned in Delta County District Court on charges related to possession with the intent to deliver cocaine. James Johnson of Escanaba and Ronald Frans of Gladstone were arrested on April 30 after deputies from Delta County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle and ultimately located over four ounces of cocaine.

Detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) had been investigating the men for several months. Based on evidence obtained during the investigation and from the traffic stop, a search warrant was obtained for the Northtown Crown Da’Bar in Escanaba.

Detectives determined that James Johnson worked at the bar and lived in the apartment above the business. During a search of the bar and apartment detectives located cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and illegal prescription medication.

The investigation is continuing.

Detectives were assisted by the Delta County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Unit, Michigan State Police Gladstone Post, Escanaba Public Safety, Agents from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Michigan Intelligence Operation Center.