Three Arrested for Drug Trafficking

Three individuals were arrested for drug trafficking following an investigation that began in May between the Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT) and Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE) in Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties.

According to a Michigan State Police (MSP) release, several controlled purchases of fentanyl and heroin were conducted and several suspects from Muskegon were identified as part of the investigation. On June 6, following a controlled purchased of fentanyl, the suspect car was stopped by troopers from the MSP Traverse City Post. Twenty-one-year-old Dahnontae McKinley from Muskegon and two 16-year-olds were identified as dealing fentanyl and heroin. A search of the vehicle yielded the following items:

> 15 grams of heroin
> 37 grams of fentanyl
> 47.35 grams of crack cocaine
> 15 grams of powder cocaine
> Over $1,700 in cash

All three males are believed to be heavily involved with dealing several kinds of illicit narcotics to
Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties. McKinley was lodged at the Grand Traverse County Jail for delivery of fentanyl, maintaining a drug vehicle, and being a fourth offense habitual offender. The 16-year-olds were released to guardians and will go through the proper court process due to their age.

McKinley was arraigned on June 9 in 86th District Court on one count of controlled substance - delivery/manufacture cocaine, heroin, or other narcotics (less than 50 grams), and one count of controlled substance – maintaining a drug house. He was given a $100,000 cash surety bond. His next scheduled court appearance was Tuesday.

TNT and SANE were assisted in their investigation by the MSP Traverse City Post, Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office, and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office.