The owner of a Traverse City head shop was arrested on a ten-count felony warrant Thursday following a three-year drug trafficking investigation.

45-year-old Brad Vannatter of Peninsula Township is accused of attempting to import more than a kilo of synthetic drug 4-MEC, which is used to produce bath salts, from overseas and distributing it in northern Michigan. In 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a package of 4-MEC at JFK Airport heading from China to The Laughing Buddha in Traverse City. The intercepted package launched a three-year investigation into Vannatter and his business by Homeland Security Investigations and the Traverse Narcotics Team. 

Following the conclusion of the investigation this month, Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Cooney authorized a ten-count felony warrant against Vannatter, who was arrested in his home Thursday. Charges against Vannatter include conducting a criminal enterprise, using a computer to commit a crime, money laundering, maintaining a drug house, and conspiring to deliver a schedule-one controlled substance. If convincted on all counts, Vannatter could face "a lengthy prison sentence," according to TNT.

"Our investigation revealed (Vannatter) was likely responsible for the distribution of multiple kilos of (4-MEC)," TNT said in a statement. "By removing these drugs from the street and arresting the people responsible, we have interrupted the flow of synthetic drugs into our community."

The arrest follows a history of investigations into Vannatter and his business operations. In 2011, Vannatter had run-ins with both Traverse City and Garfield Township officials for operating a "showgirls" nightclub called Tabu Lounge. The nightclub was kicked out of a downtown building behind Union Street Station, then subsequently shut down at a location in Logan's Landing. At the latter space, Vannatter promoted “BYOB, on-premise” parties to which attendees could bring their own alcohol and engage in sexual activity on-site.

In 2013 - the same time period the drug trafficking investigation began - Vannatter opened The Laughing Buddha at 514 East Front Street. The store became the first in both the downtown district and city limits to sell pornography and other adult merchandise. The store's launch drew the ire of neighboring businesses and city officials, who expressed concerns the operation conflicted with the corridor's family-friendly vibe.