Michigan semi stop uncovers 368 pounds of suspected heroin, 174 handguns

Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officers stopped a semi-truck Thursday on Interstate 69 near Marshall, Michigan. The commercial vehicle stop happened around 2 p.m. on Sept. 24. Troopers soon discovered far more than a typical roadside inspection. Inside the truck, authorities found hundreds of pounds of suspected heroin and 174 handguns.

Police reported finding 92 bundles containing approximately 167 kilograms of suspected heroin. That equals roughly 368 pounds of narcotics. Officers also recovered 174 handguns from the commercial vehicle. Authorities reported that the firearms had obliterated serial numbers.

Driver arrested after I-69 discovery

Officers arrested the male semi driver following the discovery. Michigan State Police cited drug and weapons-related violations connected to the arrest. Authorities have not publicly identified the motorist. The investigation remains active as officials prepare for an expected prosecution.

The seizure occurred near Marshall in Calhoun County, about 45 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Interstate 69 provides a major commercial route through southern Michigan. The highway connects the region with Indiana before continuing toward the Canadian border. Commercial trucks regularly use the corridor for regional and cross-border freight movements.

Investigation remains active

Michigan State Police provided FreightWaves with its original announcement and authorized use of the agency’s seizure photo. Investigators declined to release further details because the case remains sensitive. The agency cited concerns about compromising the investigation or expected prosecution. Officials also want to protect the safety of potential witnesses.

MSP has not released additional information about the driver, commercial vehicle or circumstances surrounding the stop. Authorities continue investigating the narcotics and weapons seizure. FreightWaves will update this story if additional details become available.

Why it matters

The discovery shows why commercial vehicle enforcement extends beyond equipment and safety violations. A single truck stop uncovered suspected heroin and 174 handguns with obliterated serial numbers.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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