Cannon River Drug Task Force has Largest Meth Seizure in State History

Agents from the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force say they've seized 170.98 pounds of methamphetamine in Minneapolis this week.  It is believed to be the largest methamphetamine single seizure in state history.  A news release states the seizure was part of an ongoing trafficking investigation that began in January, originating in the task force's jurisdiction.

Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn tells KDHL/POWER 96 the jurisdiction encompasses Rice and Le Sueur Counties.  Authorities believe the drugs seized could sell wholesale for around $684,000.  When broken down to $100 per gram for sale on the street the value would be $7,750,000.

Five adults and three children were found at the Minneapolis residence, where authorities allege they found 39 packages, each containing approximately two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of meth.

A sawed-off shotgun, 11 ounces of tar heroin and several thousand dollars in suspected drug cash were also seized according to the news release.

Four people were arrested in the raid, Fernando Ramos Meza, 33, Peter Martin, 34, Javier Lopez, 46, Juan Daniel Valdez Mendoza, 23.

Investigation and surveillance provided agents with information to obtain a search warrant for the residence.  The Minneapolis Police Department and Department of Homeland Security Agents assisted and the Minneapolis Police SWAT team assisted in the execution of the search warrant.

The Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force has officers from the Rice and Le Sueur County Sheriff's Offices and the Faribault and Northfield Police Departments.

Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen says, "Methamphetamine is still big business in Minnesota and Drug Trafficking Organizations bring meth to major metropolitan hubs like Chicago and Minneapolis then break down the product for mid-level dealers.  Eventually the drug contnues to spread and ends up in all communities across the state.  I want to thank the Minnesota Office of Public Safety and the Office of Justice Programs that support these collaborative Violent Crime Enforcement Teams across out state and the hard work done by each team every day to keep our communities safe."

Sheriff Dunn adds, "Out officers and deputies on the task force did an outstanding job during this investigation.  They continued to work leads in an attempt to locate sources of these drugs that come back into our communities.  These agents worked extremely hard in this case, which resulted in this significant seizure and multiple arrests.  We also appreciate and thank the Minneaplolis Police Department SWAT team, the Homeland Security Investigation unit and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office for their assistance."