Arrests, Cocaine In Area Drug Busts

Three people were arrested and more than 100 grams of powder cocaine was seized in drug busts in Elmwood Township and Lake Ann Thursday.

In an investigation that involved the Traverse Narcotics Team, Leelanau Sheriff's Office, Benzie County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police and State Police Emergency Services Team lead to the execution of two search warrants of houses in Leelanau and Benzie County. 

The Elmwood Township residence became the target more than a year ago following tips and information from multiple sources. After further investigation, the Lake Ann residence was also implicated.

Detectives obtained search warrants for both homes and upon execution of the warrants, evidence of drug trafficking was found. Detectives seized cocaine, marijuana, firearms and drug distribution materials. Also seized under state forfeiture laws were several vehicles used to distribute cocaine.

Numerous individuals were found in the residences along with several juveniles who were released to their parents. Three subjects were arrested and transported to the Leelanau and Benzie County jails, including a 35-year-old male, a 22-year-old male and a 40-year-old male from the Saginaw area who had been residing in the Grand Traverse and Leelanau County area for the last five years.

Leelanau Sheriff Mike Borkovich said, "This was a year-long undercover operation that took 3 drug dealers off our streets and away from our kids". He credits support for the Traverse Narcotics Team from the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, who earlier this month, provided funding for undercover work by TNT. " 

The Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT) is a multi-jurisdictional task force covering 8 counties, consisting of detectives from the Benzie, Wexford, Osceola, Missaukee, Leelanau, Antrim and Kalkaska County Sheriff's Offices, along with the Traverse City Police Department and Michigan State Police.