(WWJ) — A Detroit business owner is behind bars after a months-long investigation into a drug operation by Livonia police led to his arrest last week.
A 12-page criminal complaint filed in federal court says Barry Willis was arrested on March 28 as Livonia police raided his home, suspected stash house and the gas station he owns.
Police seized more than 90 lbs. of fentanyl, as well as cocaine, more than $150,000 in suspected narcotics proceeds, multiple guns and other items.
The investigation began last fall after Livonia police got a tip from a cooperating individual — known as a "CI" — that Willis was allegedly selling heroin.
In February and March the CI conducted multiple controlled drug purchases from Willis, who he knew by the name of "Blue," using pre-recorded police buy funds. The suspected heroin he bought tested positive for heroin both times, according to the criminal complaint.
Willis, who owns a Citgo gas station and car wash on Livernois near Oakman in Detroit, was arrested at his home Thursday. During the raid at his home in Clinton Township, investigators seized $133,242 of suspected narcotics proceeds, ten watches, one gold chain with a platinum pendant, and one handgun.
During a search of Willis's suspected stash house on Littlefield, on Detroit's northwest side, authorities seized over 41 kilograms (about 90 lbs.) of fentanyl — both in powder and pill form — 2.6 kg of cocaine, a large pill press, a small pill press, a narcotics press, a handgun, narcotics packaging materials, narcotics scales and $18,000 of suspected narcotics proceeds.
Authorities found $400 of police buy within the cash seized at the Littlefield location, according to the complaint.
Officers seized over $3,000 of suspected narcotics proceeds and another handgun during a search of Willis's gas station, the complaint said.
Willis is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Thursday.
