A Kalamazoo man is in custody after an eight-hour manhunt ended with the seizure of 50 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in Berrien County.

*Samuel Graves, 31, was identified by the Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET)* as one of Southwest Michigan's largest methamphetamine distributors. His arrest came after a months-long investigation that escalated into a high-speed chase and a massive multi-agency search on May 21 and 22.

The chase and capture

Investigators were conducting surveillance on Graves when they observed him meeting with a suspected supplier on Thursday, May 21. The Berrien County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop, but Graves sped away.

Deputies pursued the vehicle until spike strips were deployed on U.S. 31 near Berrien Springs, disabling the suspect's car. Graves then fled on foot at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Tabor Road.

The search that followed involved K-9 units, drones, and perimeter teams from multiple agencies. After eight hours, officers located Graves in a ditch not far from the intersection.

"I believe the meth from the report was just in the vehicle in the trunk area," said Sean Soulard, deputy chief of the Berrien County Sheriff's Office. "It was packaged for a large sale, not individuals. It was a significant amount of weight."

Graves was evaluated at a local hospital before being lodged at the Berrien County Jail.

The haul

Approximately 50 pounds of crystal methamphetamine was recovered from the disabled vehicle. The drugs were found in and around a suitcase, according to Michigan State Police.

Authorities said the quantity was packaged for distribution rather than individual use. They noted that drug overdoses in Southwest Michigan kill more people each year than fatal car crashes and homicides combined.

Charges and warrants

Graves faces charges for:

  • Fleeing and Eluding Police
  • Resisting and Obstructing Police
  • Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine

Investigators said Graves also had an outstanding felony warrant from Van Buren County tied to a separate fleeing incident during this same investigation. He also has pending bond in Kent County from a firearms arrest in Grand Rapids on April 20, 2026.

The agencies involved

The operation required coordination among multiple law enforcement partners:

  • Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET)
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Berrien County Sheriff's Office and K-9 teams
  • Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety K-9
  • Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police
  • Pokagon Band Tribal Police
  • Michigan State Police Fifth District Crime Prevention Squad

"This incident highlights the significant dangers posed by narcotics traffickers to the public, communities, and law enforcement personnel," Michigan State Police said in a statement.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in the region can email MSP-PROTECT@michigan.gov or call the anonymous tip line at 269-982-8664.

For those seeking help with substance abuse, Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health can be reached at 800-781-0353.