The bust was the result of a five-month-long Kalkaska County marijuana distribution investigation by TNT detectives.

According to a release from the MSP, TNT served a search warrant on a private residence on County Road 571, in Coldsprings Twp. and as a result of the warrant's service, nearly 40 pounds of marijuana were seized, along with 18 long guns and one handgun.

Officers also confiscated three Harley Davidson motorcycles, three vehicles, five snowmobiles, two boats and one piece of heavy equipment, for forfeiture purposes, the MSP release said.

A camera surveillance system also was removed from the premises, according to officials.

"Yes, this is big," David Street, first lieutenant of MSP Kalkaska Post 70, said. "This part of the case has come too an end ... this investigation is not over."

Officials predict the narcotics unit will track down suppliers "in both directions."

Long reportedly was lodged in the Kalkaska County Jail, facing four felony counts and a $100,000 cash bond.

He has posted his bond and has been released from jail, according to Kalkaska County Sheriff, Bill Artress.

"We got one of the major dealers, here," Artress said. "There will be a void in the amount of marijuana on the streets, right now."

Street said that the wholesale value of the marijuana would be between $40,000 to $50,000, based on weight and quality. Street value was estimated to be more than $100,000.

"This subject has been reported to be involved in drug trafficking for 20-plus years," Artress said. "You have to have enough evidence to go arrest him. It takes time and it takes work."

"Twenty years later, he got had," Street said. "These investigations take time. It is important for people to come forward. These investigations are very difficult. These guys are a very close-knit community.

"Taking this amount of marijuana out of the system is tremendous."

Street said that the other items seized would undergo appraising but his "guesstimate" of the rest of the items was between $40,000 and $50,000.

During the calendar year 2007, the narcotics unit auctioned about $120,000 to the public through narcotics forfeitures, Street said. He added that the proceeds of any items auctioned would be used to fund the narcotics unit.

TNT detectives were assisted by MSP Kalkaska troopers, the Kalkaska County Sheriff Department and the MSP Traverse City K-9 unit.

Heidi Berden can be reached at hberden@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-258-4600.