5 Minnesotans charged in investigation of “large-scale” meth trafficking group

Five men are facing charges in a multi-month investigation of a “large-scale” methamphetamine trafficking organization, the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force said on Monday.

The investigation began in January after detectives learned that a 48-year-old male was involved in the distribution of “significant quantities of methamphetamine” in central Minnesota, according to the law enforcement agency.

Investigators utilized various measures, including “confidential reliable informants,” audio and visual surveillance, and search warrants, to identify members of the trafficking group and document meth distribution in the region, according to court documents.

Following the investigation, the 48-year-old man from St. Cloud, Minnesota, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a controlled substance felony and three counts of first-degree sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth, according to the criminal complaint.

Four additional Minnesota guys were arrested:

• 33-year-old Minneapolis resident charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime and first-degree sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth.
• 31-year-old Minneapolis resident charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, first-degree aiding and abetting the sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth and first-degree sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth.
• 45-year-old Minneapolis resident charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime and first-degree sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth.
• 49-year-old Inver Grove Heights resident charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, first-degree aiding and abetting the sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth and first-degree sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth.

According to the law enforcement group, investigators recovered or acquired more than 18 pounds of meth and seized three pistols as part of the trafficking operation.