On April 6, 2026, detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team
(UPSET) arrested a 35-year-old Houghton County man for charges relating to conspiracy
to manufacture methamphetamine, illegal possession of ephedrine/pseudoephedrine, and
maintaining a drug house/vehicle.
Through investigative techniques, detectives determined the suspect and other
conspirators have been purchasing various components that are used to manufacture
methamphetamine in a process that is commonly known by law enforcement as “one pot”
or “shake and bake” meth labs. This method of manufacturing meth consists of a
chemical reaction when users mix specific household chemicals together with
pseudoephedrine. This method is extremely dangerous as it can release harmful gases or
cause a violent explosion if it is not handled properly.
On Monday, April 6, detectives from UPSET identified the suspect as he left a local store
where he had just purchased precursor ingredients used in manufacturing meth. Officers
from the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office and Houghton City Police Department
arrested the suspect outside of his vehicle. Detectives from UPSET, who are trained to
dismantle clandestine labs conducted a search of the suspects’ vehicle. Detectives seized
a number of components necessary to manufacture meth as well as evidence indicating
the suspect has manufactured meth on multiple occasions over the previous weeks.
The suspect was lodged at the Houghton County Jail. No further information is being
released at this time since the investigation is ongoing.
Detectives from UPSET were assisted by the Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office,
Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Houghton City Police Department, Hancock City
Police Department, Houghton and Hancock City Fire Departments and Superior Service
Towing.
BY-Ton Sholander
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