On July 5, authorities in Minnesota arrested five people for alleged drug offenses after a raid in Ideal Township. The operation was conducted by officers with the Lakes Area Drug Investigation Division, the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office and the Baxter Police Department.
According to media reports, officers executed a search warrant at a home on the 10000 block of County Road 16. During the search, they uncovered over three pounds of methamphetamine, ammunition and a large amount of cash. The methamphetamine has an estimated street value in excess of $16,000. A representative of the Crow Wing Sheriff’s Office said the raid was conducted as the result of tips from the public and an ongoing investigation.
The defendants, who range in age from 26 to 60, have been charged with various crimes, including first- and fifth-degree drug offenses, weapons and ammunition offenses and probation violations. They are residents of Backus, Brainerd, Crosby, Pequot Lakes and Pine River.
Minnesota residents taken into custody on drug charges could face serious consequences if they are convicted. Possible penalties include jail time and fines, and a permanent criminal record could hinder their future employment opportunities. However, by working with a criminal defense attorney, it may be possible for defendants to receive a more favorable outcome. For example, if an attorney discovers the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, any resulting evidence could be deemed inadmissible in court. This could lead to the charges being dropped or the defendant winning an acquittal in court. In other circumstances, legal counsel could negotiate a plea deal that allows the defendant to plead guilty to reduced charges. This could help the defendant obtain a more lenient sentence.
Source: CBS Minnesota, “5 Arrested For Drug, Probation Offenses In Ideal Township“, July 6, 2018