According to an Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) news release, two men were recently arrested in separate UPSET drug investigations after traffic stops led to the seizure of crystal methamphetamine, firearms and more. (Photo courtesy of UPSET)

ESCANABA – Two men were recently arrested in separate Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) drug investigations after traffic stops led to the seizure of crystal methamphetamine, firearms and more, according to law enforcement officials.

In Schoolcraft County, a 33 year-old male was arrested Jan. 18 after drugs were found during a traffic stop. According to an UPSET news release, the arrest was a result of a several month-long investigation in which UPSET detectives had been investigating a drug dealer, who has been known to traffic narcotics in the central U.P.

Jon Zentner was observed traveling back to the area before troopers from the MSP Traffic Safety Team conducted a traffic stop.

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

The release detailed a Michigan State Police (MSP) K-9 unit alerted to the vehicle, and a subsequent search resulted in the seizure of approximately two ounces of crystal methamphetamine concealed in the engine compartment of the vehicle.

The drugs were estimated to have a street value of nearly $2,000. Drug paraphernalia and electronic evidence were also seized.

Zentner was lodged in the Schoolcraft County Jail on charges related to the distribution of crystal methamphetamine. A passenger in the vehicle was also arrested on an outstanding warrant and lodged in the Delta County Jail, stated a news release. Additional charges related to destruction of evidence are being sought.

Agencies assisting in the investigation included the MSP Traffic Safety Team, troopers from the MSP Manistique Outpost, a MSP Gladstone Post K-9 Unit and the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center.

In a separate case, a 50-year-old Ontonagon County man was arrested after a traffic stop in Gogebic County resulted in the seizure of crystal methamphetamine, a handgun and more.

Detectives with UPSET received information over the past several weeks that the suspect had ties to Florida where he would obtain drugs and was transporting large amounts of crystal methamphetamine into Ontonagon County and the surrounding area.

Working with the Michigan State Police Traffic Safety Team, investigators observed the suspect’s vehicle traveling in Gogebic County and conducted a traffic stop near Watersmeet.

The driver, identified as Justin Diem, became combative during the investigation portion of the traffic stop and was arrested. A Michigan State Police Negaunee Post K-9 unit alerted to the vehicle on scene.

During a search, troopers found a loaded .45-caliber handgun, approximately 11 ounces of crystal methamphetamine and evidence of drug distribution. Investigators also seized $653 in cash. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of more than $11,000.

Diem was lodged in the Gogebic County Jail on charges including resisting and obstructing police, felony firearm possession and possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.

Agencies assisting in the investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Office, MSP Wakefield Post, Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police and Al’s Auto of Bruce Crossing.

UPSET directs the public with information about drugs in the community to contact 906-228-1002 or leave an anonymous tip on UPSET’s website at www.upsetdrugs.com.