IRONWOOD — Michigan State Police have released a statement announcing the arrest of Justin Diem, a 50-year-old resident of Ontonagon County. He was arrested on charges relating to resisting and obstructing police, felony firearm possession and possession with the intent to distribute crystal meth.

“Over the past several weeks, detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team obtained information [that] a person from Ontonagon County was suspected of transporting large amounts of crystal meth to the local area,” said Det. Lt. Tim Sholander of the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team in a news release.

“Detectives, working in conjunction with the Michigan State Police Traffic Safety Team, observed the vehicle belonging to the suspect traveling in Gogebic County. A traffic stop was conducted in the area near Watersmeet. The driver, Justin Diem, who is a 50-year-old Ontonagon County resident, was arrested after becoming combative during the investigative portion of the traffic stop.”

Troopers searched the vehicle and found a loaded .45 caliber handgun, approximately 11 ounces of crystal meth, and “evidence of drug distribution,” according to the police statement.

“Detectives had information that the suspect had ties to Florida where he would obtain drugs and was a source for methamphetamine in Ontonagon County and the surrounding area,” said Sholander. “Detectives also seized $653 in cash. The total street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be over $11,000.”

Diem is currently being held in the Gogebic County Jail. His case is next scheduled for a probable cause conference on Feb. 4.