Minneapolis man arrested in Ironwood Township

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP — Members of the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team and Michigan State Police arrested a Minneapolis, Minnesota man Tuesday they say was involved with distributing illegal narcotics in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Jay Saarela, 33, was arrested during a traffic stop in Ironwood Township that was part of an investigation that began earlier this month, according to a GIANT spokesman.

The spokesman said officers also allegedly seized methamphetamine, heroin, prescription narcotics, a revolver and other weapons, and over $2,000 in U.S. currency.

Saarela is charged with possession with intent to deliver meth, possession with intent to deliver heroin, possessing a firearm while committing a felony, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon-metallic knuckles and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

As of Wednesday, Saarela remained lodged in the Gogebic County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.

—Richard Jenkins