WATERVLIET – A search warrant executed Tuesday morning for illegal narcotics at 323 W. St. Joseph St. in the City of Watervliet resulted from a month-long investigation by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit after receiving anonymous tips from citizens that drugs were being sold out of that residence.

At the time of the search warrant execution at 8:10 a.m. July 28, two adults and two children were located inside the residence, according to Det. Lt. James Hagenbarth.

During a search of the residence, officers reported finding an indoor marijuana grow operation.

Officers seized 16 live marijuana plants growing in the basement with an approximate $16,000 street value, approximately $800 worth of processed marijuana in the master bedroom, digital scales, packaging material, marijuana grow books and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking.

Also seized from the master bedroom was a .25-caliber handgun.

Seized under Michigan civil forfeiture law were $441 in U.S. currency, a cell phone, grow equipment and a bicycle.

Daniel James Briley, 28, of 323 W. St. Joseph St., was lodged in the Berrien County Jail in St. Joseph on four charges, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug house, manufacturing marijuana and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.

The operation also involved Berrien County Road Patrol, Watervliet Police Department and Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Watervliet Township Patrol.

The children were turned over to a family member at the beginning of the investigation.
The other adult was released without any criminal charges.