GOGEBIC COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – In March of 2023, the Gogebic-Iron Area Narcotics Team (GIANT), and the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) worked jointly on an investigation, which they both had information on an individual who was selling methamphetamine in the City of Ironwood.
As the investigation evolved the two teams continued to compile information through surveillance, interviewing individuals, and other means. Officers worked with a confidential informant and an undercover Police Officer was also able to purchase methamphetamine from one of the individuals. Officers had uncovered information regarding where the suspects were purchasing the methamphetamine from and information on a trip where two of the individuals were going to pick up more methamphetamine.
As a result, individuals from GIANT were able to initiate a traffic stop on one suspect (Mr. John Wodie) on April 29th, 2023, in which he was arrested. Because of the information that officers had at that point they had contacted Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police Officer Callison and his K9 Ragnar. Officer Callison and K9 Ragnar conducted a sniff of the vehicle and K9 Ragnar indicated there was an odor of controlled substances coming from the vehicle. Officers obtained a search warrant for Wodie’s vehicle, and they seized approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine that was located inside of his trunk.
On May 1st, 2023, UPSET obtained a search warrant for a City of Ironwood residence. Officers from UPSET and GIANT executed that search warrant. As a result of that search warrant officers seized more methamphetamine, U.S. Currency, a firearm and three more individuals were arrested. Throughout the investigation, GIANT and UPSET seized over 100 grams of Methamphetamine.
Gogebic County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jacobs reviewed the agency reports and authorized felony charges on the four individuals that were arrested. All of the individuals have been arraigned by the 98th District Court in Bessemer Michigan and are still lodged at the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department.