Two Benton Harbor Men Arrested in Berrien County Drug Bust

Michigan State Police executed search warrants and seized drugs, guns, and distribution materials.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:27pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a semi-automatic rifle magazine against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the seizure of firearms during a drug investigation.A recent drug bust in Berrien County exposed the connection between illegal narcotics and firearms, fueling ongoing efforts to combat the area's persistent drug and crime issues.Benton Harbor Today

Michigan State Police have announced the arrests of two Benton Harbor men following a multi-agency drug investigation in Berrien County. On March 25, detectives executed search warrants at two homes, seizing cocaine, methamphetamine, hydrocodone, firearms, and drug distribution materials. The suspects, ages 29 and 42, were arrested and charged with multiple felony drug and firearm offenses.

Why it matters

This operation is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to target illegal drug activity and the associated criminal enterprises in the Benton Harbor area, which has struggled with high rates of violent crime and substance abuse issues. The seizure of both drugs and firearms highlights the nexus between the illegal drug trade and gun violence.

The details

According to authorities, the Southwest Enforcement Team, Berrien County Sheriff's Office, and MSP Niles Post K-9 Unit executed search warrants at homes on Thresher Avenue in Benton Harbor and Hazel Avenue in Benton Township. The search of the Thresher Avenue residence uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, crystal meth, hydrocodone, digital scales, packaging materials, a pistol, and a semi-automatic rifle. Additional cocaine and drug distribution equipment were found at the Hazel Avenue location.

  • The search warrants were executed on March 25, 2026.
  • The investigation had been ongoing for several months prior to the arrests.

The players

Michigan State Police

The state law enforcement agency that led the multi-agency drug investigation and executed the search warrants.

Berrien County Sheriff's Office

A local law enforcement agency that assisted in the drug investigation and execution of search warrants.

Southwest Enforcement Team

A multi-jurisdictional drug task force that conducted the investigation and was funded in part by federal drug trafficking and law enforcement grants.

Two Benton Harbor Men

The two suspects, ages 29 and 42, who were arrested and charged with multiple felony drug and firearm offenses.

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What’s next

The two suspects are currently being held at the Berrien County Jail and are awaiting further legal proceedings related to the drug and firearm charges.

The takeaway

This drug bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the illegal drug trade and associated criminal activity in the Benton Harbor area, which has long struggled with high rates of substance abuse and violent crime. The seizure of both drugs and firearms underscores the connection between the drug trade and gun violence, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing these interrelated issues.