Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette This July, 2017, photograph shows Curt Pennala, then the Keweenaw County Undersheriff, demonstrating how easy disposing of prescription pills is.

CALUMET — Deputies of the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a breaking and entering complaint in the village of Calumet on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, according to the release from the Sheriff’s Office.

The entry occurred in a vacant apartment that still contained the belongings of the tenant who resided there at the time of his death. During the course of the investigation it was discovered that several suspects had stolen prescription pills that belonged to the deceased tenant.

On Tues., deputies executed a search warrant in the village of Laurium in connection with the breaking and entering complaint.

A 47-year-old man was arrested for possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Schedule II Controlled Substances include: cocaine, meth, oxycodone, Adderall, Ritalin, and Vicodin, according to the Federal Drug Scheduling System.

A 41-year-old woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and additional suspects and charges are expected.

The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Laurium Village Police Dept., Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Unit, and the Michigan State Police Calumet Post.

Both the Houghton County and Keweenaw County sheriff’s offices provide the public the opportunity to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription pills. The service is free, anonymous and with no questions asked.

Prescription pills for disposal can be brought to the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office at 403 East Houghton Avenue in Houghton, or to the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office at 5105 4th St, in Eagle River. They cannot, however, accept liquids, needles or sharps.