WEST BRANCH — Ogemaw County deputies began an investigation Jan. 10 after information and evidence obtained in several traffic stops led them to identify a possible residence in the city of West Branch connected to drug activity.
According to a Jan. 23 news release from the Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office, deputies secured and executed a search warrant at the residence and located two kilos of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin inside, along with other evidence indicating drug trafficking activity.
Firearms and about $64,000 in cash were also seized.
Two Ogemaw County residents were arrested at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
The Ogemaw County Prosecutor’s Office authorized charges against Lazaro Valera, 67, including delivery or manufacture of cocaine, 1,000 grams or more, two firearm-related felonies and maintaining a drug house. Valera was arrested and arraigned in 82nd District Court and was arraigned Jan. 13, with a preliminary exam set for Feb. 19 in 82nd District Court in Ogemaw County.
Kenneth Labean, 34, was arrested and arraigned on a possession of heroin charge, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said it was assisted at the scene by the West Branch Police Department and the STING Narcotics Investigative Team.