The Michigan State Police has reported that significant quantities of illegal drugs were discovered and seized during searches of residences in Hartford and Watervliet on April 10. A 36-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The operation was coordinated by the Southwest Enforcement Team, which is a task force comprising of officers and deputies from law enforcement agencies including the Covert Township, Hastings, Kalamazoo Township and South Haven police departments and Allergan County, Berrien County, Kalamazoo County and Saint Joseph County sheriff’s offices.
Hartford search
The operation began when SWET officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Mary Street in Hartford. During the search, they are said to have discovered “delivery” quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl along with evidence of drug sales and an illegal gun. The man arrested at the scene has been charged with a raft of felony drug crimes as well as possessing a firearm and possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Watervliet search
Evidence discovered at the Hartford residence led SWET officers to a home in Watervliet. Detectives obtained a search warrant before entering the residence. According to media reports, the ensuing search led to the discovery of additional drugs, another firearm and evidence of drug sales.
Probable cause
The arguments in this case may focus on whether or not the police had sufficient probable cause to obtain the search warrants that allowed officers to enter the two residences. In order to obtain a search warrant, police officers must convince a judge or magistrate that they have good reason to believe evidence of criminal activity will be discovered. If police officers lack sufficient probable cause or exceed the scope of a search warrant, any evidence they discover could be excluded.