Meth lab suspects named.

BRANCH TWP. —  The two suspects arrested on felony charges in connection to operating a methamphetamine lab have been arraigned. Russell Wallager, 29, and Alice Ramirez, 42, were arrested Thursday by Michigan State Police on charges of possession of methamphetamine at a residence in the 6000 block of US-10 where a meth lab was discovered.

Both have been charged with operating/maintaining a laboratory involving firearm/other harmful device (maximum of 25 years and/or $100,000 fine), delivery/manufacturing of methamphetamine (maximum of 20 years and/or $25,000 fines) and two counts of felony firearm (two years consecutively with and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed). Wallager faces double penalties on his charges as a repeat offender.

A preliminary examination in 79th District Court is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Feb. 4. Wallager’s bond is $75,000 cash/surety and Ramirez’s bond is $50,000 cash/surety.

“Members of the Michigan State Police Methamphetamine Enforcement Team responded to the scene to dismantle the laboratory and remove the hazardous materials from the scene,” states a Michigan State Police press release issued Friday morning, Jan. 16.

“On January 15, 2015, members of SSCENT (the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team), with the assistance of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant,” the press release states. “The search warrant was issued after investigators from SSCENT determined that two occupants inside of the home may be involved in the production of methamphetamine.”

The search warrant was executed without incident, and the two suspects were arrested and lodged in the Mason County Jail. Possession of methamphetamine is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine. Additional charges may be authorized after the Mason County Prosecutor’s Office reviews the case.

“During the execution of the search warrant, several items used in the production of methamphetamine were located inside of the garage at the home,” the press release states. “The production of methamphetamine involves the use of hazardous materials,” and requires “specially-trained technicians” to clean up the site.

No additional information will be released, MSP states. Names will not be released until the suspects are arraigned.

SSCENT is a multi-jurisdictional task force that serves Manistee, Mason, Lake, and Oceana counties. SSCENT asks that if you have information about drug activity in your area, to contact them at (231) 843-7045 or contact your local police department.