Two Minnesota men are facing drug charges following two separate drug busts in Lakeville. The charges were filed in Dakota County Court.
According to authorities, the first defendant, age 28, was arrested after officers from the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at his Lakeville home on Dec. 31. As officers approached the residence, they saw a vehicle pull away from the scene. The vehicle was pulled over, and officers said they could smell marijuana. The vehicle was searched, and officers allegedly discovered nine sealed bags of suspected marijuana. They also located 14 gallon-sized bags of edible gummies, which tested positive for THC. A search of the defendant’s home uncovered an additional 183 sealed bags of suspected marijuana, more edible THC gummies, multiple containers of THC wax, a digital scale, drug paraphernalia and $26,000 in cash.
The second defendant, age 23, was arrested after being pulled over for an equipment violation on Jan. 31. Officers claimed that they could smell marijuana inside the vehicle, so they performed a search, uncovering eight containers of edible THC gummies. The total weight of the gummies was nearly 100 pounds. Both men have been charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance. The 23-year-old was also charged with second-degree possession of a controlled substance. They both face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
As this case shows, drug charges carry serious consequences in Minnesota. However, a defendant may receive a better outcome by retaining the services of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer could build a strong defense based on the circumstances of the case, which could get the charges reduced or dismissed.