ONTONAGON — A Mohawk man was arrested Thursday after a one-year UPSET (Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team investigation.

Gregory Knuuttila, 43, of Mohawk was later arraigned on a charge of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a 20-year felony. 

UPSET detectives had developed information that Knuuttila had been bringing in large quantities of methamphetamine for distribution to Houghton, Baraga and Keweenaw counties for the past year, UPSET said in a news release. Detectives were able to determine that Knuuttila was traveling back from Wisconsin on Thursday and set up surveillance to locate the vehicle he was traveling in. The vehicle was located on U.S. 45 and a traffic stop was conducted by the MSP Hometown Security Team near Bruce Crossing.

A search of the vehicle was conducted by MSP Hometown Security Team K -9, which indicated that illegal drugs were in the front dash of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, detectives discovered a half-pound of methamphetamine hidden behind the radio console with a street value of $10,000, UPSET said. Knuuttila was lodged in the Ontonagon County Jail, arraigned in 98th District Court, and his bond was set at $25,000.

Detectives executed two search warrants Friday morning in Mohawk related to the investigation. During the search detectives seized three handguns, one of which was stolen. All three weapons had been used by the suspect while selling illegal drugs. Detectives also seized digital scales, cellphones and other drug paraphernalia.

This case is part of an ongoing conspiracy investigation into the illegal distribution of methamphetamine in the western counties of the Upper Peninsula and more arrests are expected.

UPSET was assisted by MSP-Hometown Security Team, ATF, Keweenaw County Sheriff, MSP-Calumet Post and MSP Emergency Support Team.