Task force seizes 18 pounds of meth, arrests five in central Minnesota trafficking case

(KNSI) – An investigation into a methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in central Minnesota has resulted in several arrests and the seizure of more than 18 pounds of methamphetamine.

According to the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force, the investigation began in January 2026, when investigators learned a 48-year-old St. Cloud man was selling significant amounts of methamphetamine in the area. Over the course of several months, investigators were able to identify members of the organization and document the sale of drugs.

Investigators reported recovering or purchasing the methamphetamine and seizing three handguns connected to the operation.

The St. Cloud man was arrested and, according to the task force, faces charges of first-degree controlled substance possession, first-degree controlled substance sale, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Others arrested in connection with the alleged conspiracy include three men from Minneapolis and a man from Inver Grove Heights. The task force says they face charges ranging from first-degree controlled substance sale and possession to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The Stearns County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

The task force thanked the agencies that assisted in the investigation, including the FBI St. Cloud Resident Agency, the West Metro Drug Task Force, the Inver Grove Heights Police Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minneapolis SWAT Team and the Anoka County SWAT Team.

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