Drug Trafficking Arrest Made in Ishpeming

A major interstate cocaine and heroin trafficking operation has an Ishpeming woman facing up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million fine. 30-year-old Rachel Lynn Hanson admitted her guilt in a cocaine and heroin trafficking ring in U.S. District Court in Marquette. In an agreement with federal prosecutors, she pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Hanson told agents she’s been transporting heroin, crack and powdered cocaine into the U.P. since 2007. Federal drug agents estimated she took dozens of trips to Chicago to distribute a total of about eight pounds of cocaine and about three ounces of heroin. The probe involves the federal DEA and the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement team. More indictments and arrests are expected.