Outburst of drug trafficking in Benton Harbor

Southwest Enforcement Team-West Office

Detectives Disrupt Crack Cocaine Trafficking Group in Benton Harbor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                               Date:  08-30-17

On, Wednesday, 8-30-17, SWET-West detectives along with members of the Berrien County Sheriff Department executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at 1069 E. Main St., in the City of Benton Harbor . This search warrant was a result of a two month investigation into the sale and distribution of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and heroin from 1069 East Main St.  SWET-West Detectives executed the search warrant at 1069 East Main St. and seized  approximately one ounce of powder cocaine, approximately a half ounce of crack cocaine, approximately a half ounce of heroin, and several hundred dollars in U.S. Currency from the property.

Suspect Mark Junior Barnes (53) was arrested and lodged at the Berrien County Jail on six felony drug charges, as well and maintaining a drug house. 

The Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) is comprised of sworn law enforcement personnel from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Barry County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, South Haven Police Department, Covert Police Department, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.

SWET is funded in part by the Michigan HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Byrne JAG grant.

“This project was supported by Byrne JAG grant #2013-MU-BX0051 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and administered by the Michigan State Police (MSP).  Points of view or opinions contained within this document do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the MSP or DOJ”