A 24-year-old Detroit, Michigan, man was arrested for possession and delivery of fentanyl, according to the Minot Police Department.

On Saturday, officers with the Ward County Narcotics Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of 50 “M30” fentanyl pills as part of an ongoing investigation into fentanyl distribution in the Minot and New Town areas.

The investigation identified Michael Lashawn Bailey as a source supplying fentanyl pills to multiple individuals in the region. An undercover officer, posing as a buyer, met Bailey at a hotel in southwest Minot, where the purchase was completed. Following the transaction, officers apprehended Bailey.

A subsequent search of Bailey resulted in the seizure of an additional 50 “M30” fentanyl pills, about 50 grams of a powdery substance consistent with fentanyl, and the pre-recorded buy money used in the controlled purchase.

Bailey was transported to the Ward County Jail and booked on charges of delivery of a controlled substance-fentanyl, a Class B felony, and possession with intent to distribute-fentanyl over 40g, a Class A felony.

According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, about 68.4% of overdose deaths in 2022 involved fentanyl.