For the last several months, detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) have been investigating two men that were believed to be distributing crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in Houghton and Baraga Counties.
On February 5, 2026, UPSET detectives executed three search warrants at known drug houses and arrested two men who were suspected of distributing drugs in Baraga and Houghton Counties.
The first search warrant was executed at a residence in Dollar Bay, Michigan, where detectives seized methamphetamine, electronic devices, and $650 in cash. Bredon Hanks, a 27-year-old man, was arrested and lodged on charges relating to the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine. Hanks was lodged in Houghton County Jail.
The second search warrant was executed at a residence in Hancock. During a search of the residence detectives seized MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, fentanyl compounds and carfentanil, which is a powerful synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Detectives also seized counterfeit pills, electronic devices, and $430 in cash. Michael Jestila, a 60-year-old man from Houghton County was arrested for delivery of methamphetamine. Jestila was lodged in the Baraga County Jail. A third search warrant was executed at a residence in Baraga County that was believed to be owned by Jestila. Small amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine were seized.
In total detectives seized over a quarter pound of crystal methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, and small amounts of MDMA and fentanyl. These drugs hold an estimated street value of over $15,000. The investigations remain ongoing.
Jestila was arraigned in the 97th District Court-Baraga on February 6, 2026, for Delivery of Methamphetamine.
His bond was set at $5000. Hanks was arraigned in the 97th District Court-Houghton on February 6, 2026, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. His bond was set at $100,000.
Detectives from UPSET were assisted by personnel from the Hancock Police Department, Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police (MSP) Calumet Post, MSP Emergency Support Team, MSP Traffic Safety Team, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services.
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