Minnesota police often conduct traffic stops as part of their duties. The initial reason for a recent stop was reportedly the driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign. Police say they soon discovered that the vehicle’s registration was expired.
A 31-year-old man was driving, accompanied by a 32-year-old female passenger. The woman was the apparent owner of the vehicle. At some point during the traffic stop, police officers decided to conduct a K-9 search of the vehicle.
Police seized several items from the car
The K-9 search brought several items in the vehicle to the patrol officers’ attention, including a black backpack. There was paperwork of some kind inside the backpack, which had the driver’s name on it. Police claim to have also discovered a firearm and a glass pipe containing methamphetamine residue. Investigators also say that the search resulted in discovery of a plastic container that held pills, which the officers suspected were fentanyl that would be worth approximately $75,000 on the street.
Both vehicle occupants are now facing drug charges
Prosecutors have filed numerous aggravated possession of controlled substance charges against the pair. The man is also facing criminal charges for illegal possession of a handgun. Police say they also confiscated a letter from the couple’s home that the woman supposedly admitted to writing, which states that the male defendant in this case was selling drugs to people, who might need Narcan to save them from overdose. Claiming something as evidence and using it to prove that a person has committed a crime are two separate issues, and everyone accused of drug crimes in Minnesota is guaranteed an opportunity to refute any evidence prosecutors offer in court.