NEWBERRY — Michigan State Police in the Eastern Upper Peninsula arrested two men and a juvenile following an alleged attempted drug smuggling incident at the Newberry Correctional Facility Feb. 28. The suspects, all from lower Michigan, were caught after troopers say a package was discovered containing methamphetamine and THC wax in the prison yard.
Troopers from the Sault Ste. Marie Post were first alerted to the potential smuggling attempt by staff at the correctional facility. Following the notification, troopers conducted surveillance in the area and say they suspicious activity involving a vehicle and several people near the facility.
During the investigation, prison staff say they located a package inside the prison yard.
Trayvonte Brown, 27, of Kalamazoo was arraigned in 92nd District Court. Brown faces felony charges of delivery or manufacture of methamphetamine, delivery or manufacture of marijuana and bringing contraband into a prison. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of children contributing to delinquency. His bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety.
Daquarius Turner, 32, of Kalamazoo, was also arraigned on March 3 in 92nd District Court on identical charges. Like Brown, Turner’s bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety.
A 16-year-old male from Battle Creek was also arrested during the incident. He faces charges of smuggling contraband into a prison, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver THC wax.
Brown and Turner are scheduled to appear in court for their next hearing on March 12.