SAULT STE. MARIE — Three Chippewa County residents were arrested after the conclusion of a lengthy investigation into multiple meth labs in the Dafter and Sault Ste. Marie area over the past few months.

Officers from the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force say 47-year-old Billy Jo Verrette of Dafter was arrested Monday afternoon during a traffic stop and lodged in the Chippewa County Correctional Facility. 20-year-old Matthew John Hovie and 21-year-old River Tash Mauldin, both of Sault Ste. Marie, were arrested the next morning.

Verette is charged with thirteen felony meth-related counts. He is also being charged as a habitual offender. Hovie is facing three felony meth charges and Mauldin is facing six.

All three were arraigned in 91st District Court Tuesday. Additional charges are expected pending review by the Prosecutor.

Tri-Dent was assisted by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol K9 units.