BLAIR TOWNSHIP — A Muskegon man was arrested and two teens were released to guardians following a joint drug trafficking investigation spanning Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties, according to law enforcement officials.
The Traverse Narcotics Team and Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement began the investigation in May. Officers conducted several controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl, identifying multiple suspects from Muskegon in the process.
On June 6, troopers from the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post stopped a suspect vehicle following a controlled purchase of fentanyl. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered approximately 15 grams of heroin, 37 grams of fentanyl, 47.35 grams of crack cocaine, 15 grams of powder cocaine, and more than $1,700 in cash.
Authorities say the three males in the vehicle — 21-year-old Dahnontae McKinley and two 16-year-olds — were involved in distributing various illicit narcotics in the region.
McKinley was lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail on charges of delivery of fentanyl, maintaining a drug vehicle, and as a habitual offender, fourth offense. He was arraigned June 9 in 86th District Court on one count of controlled substance delivery/manufacture of cocaine, heroin or other narcotics (less than 50 grams), and one count of maintaining a drug house. His bond was set at $100,000 cash surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22 at 11 a.m.
The two juveniles were released to their guardians and will proceed through the juvenile court system.
The Michigan State Police Traverse City Post, Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office and Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.