Mt. Clemens, Michigan — Authorities in Macomb County say they’ve dismantled a large-scale black-market drug operation that was allegedly being run out of a neighborhood home just steps from an elementary school. The raid, carried out on November 13, 2025, has resulted in two arrests and the seizure of a staggering amount of illegal drugs, weapons, and manufacturing equipment.
The bust was led by the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team, a joint group made up of detectives from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren Police Department.
Large Quantities of Drugs, Guns, and a Vehicle Seized
When officers entered the home on Grand Avenue in Mt. Clemens, they discovered what they say was a fully functioning illegal pill-making and narcotics distribution setup. Among the items seized were:
- 225 grams of Etizolam, a Schedule I controlled substance
- Over 1,000 suspected methamphetamine-fentanyl pressed pills
- A pill press machine
- A variety of pill stamps used for counterfeit production
- 1,300 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
- Ketamine
- Schedule III anabolic steroids
- Two pistols
- One vehicle tied to the operation
- Large amounts of packaging materials, labels, glassware, vials, and other distribution tools
Investigators say the scope of the operation suggests the home functioned not only as a stash house but also as a drug-manufacturing laboratory.
52-Year-Old Accused of Running the Operation Under Fake Identity
Detectives identified 52-year-old Dennis Baran Jr. as the alleged ringleader of the enterprise. According to investigators, Baran used a false identity to purchase chemicals from overseas suppliers and then used those substances to manufacture unregulated drugs, including meth-fentanyl pills intended for distribution around the Mt. Clemens area.
Authorities emphasized that Baran was allegedly producing and distributing these substances in extremely close proximity to an elementary school, significantly escalating the severity of the charges.
Also arrested was 41-year-old Natalie Fraley, who investigators say played an assisting role in distributing or handling some of the illegal substances.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed — Habitual Offender Status Could Mean Life Sentence
Baran faces a long list of felony charges, including:
- Operating and maintaining a drug laboratory near specified places (20-year felony)
- Three weapons-related charges
- Three counts of delivery/manufacturing controlled substances
- Possessing analogues
- Obstructing by disguise
- Operating while license suspended, revoked, or denied
Officials added that Baran is being charged as a fourth-time habitual offender, meaning he could face a potential life sentence if convicted of the primary offense, as per the reports.
He has been arraigned and issued a $500,000 cash/surety bond (no 10% option). If released, he must wear a GPS tether.
Fraley faces:
- Delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance (7-year felony)
- Possession of analogues (2-year felony)
She was arraigned and granted a $50,000 personal bond, also with a GPS tether requirement.
Sheriff: Operation Near School Shows ‘Blatant Disregard’ for Community Safety
Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham condemned the operation in a statement, saying:
“Conducting illegal drug activity anywhere is unacceptable, but doing so near an elementary school shows a blatant disregard for the safety of our children. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue those who threaten the well-being of this community.”
The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine whether additional suspects or distribution networks are connected to the case.
How concerned should communities be about drug labs operating near schools — and what safeguards do you think should be added?
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