*## Man Arrested After Drugs Hidden in Bedroom Wall and Guns Recovered During Hartford Search Warrant*

## Search Warrant Yields Methamphetamine, Guns, and Unlicensed Dogs

A man from Hartford Township is facing multiple felony charges after Van Buren County Sheriff's Office detectives executed a search warrant Thursday morning that uncovered drugs hidden in a wall compartment, several guns with obliterated serial numbers, and unlicensed dogs on the property.

Just before 8:45 a.m. Thursday, the VBCSO Narcotics Unit and SWAT Team arrived at a residence on 62nd Street near 66th Avenue in Hartford Township. Two people were inside the home when the warrant was executed.

The man, a 45 year old from Hartford, was arrested and lodged at the Van Buren County Jail. The woman present at the scene was released after the investigation concluded.

## Drugs Hidden in Wall Compartment

Most of the controlled narcotics were hidden in a compartment inside a bedroom wall. Investigators recovered roughly 10 grams of methamphetamine from this concealed location.

The VBCSO also found packaging materials for drug distribution along with other controlled substances including oxycodone and Suboxone.

## Guns with Missing Serial Numbers

Several firearms were seized during the search warrant execution. Detectives could not locate serial numbers on the recovered guns, which will be submitted to the Michigan State Police Crime Laboratory for further analysis.

The guns will undergo potential serial number restoration procedures at the state laboratory before being traced.

## Unlicensed Dogs and Community Complaints

Deputies from the Van Buren County Animal Control responded to the scene and discovered multiple dogs on the property that were unlicensed. According to VBCSO officials, animal control had received numerous complaints regarding the dogs running at large in the community.

## Charges Being Sought

The following charges are being sought as a result of the investigation:

  • Maintaining a drug house
  • Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
  • Possession of Oxycodone
  • Possession of Suboxone
  • Felon in possession of firearm(s)
  • Possession of a short-barrel shotgun
  • Felon in possession of ammunition
  • Two counts of unlicensed dogs

## Assisting Agencies

The Lawton Police Department and South Haven Police Department assisted with the search warrant execution alongside the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.

The case is being actively investigated by the VBCSO Narcotics Unit with support from SWAT Team members.