Arrests made in Lansing drug bust
Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 9, 2003
LANSING -- One of the largest area seizures of methamphetamine drugs took place Wednesday afternoon.
Fifteen officers from multi-jurisdictions swarmed over a mobile home in the southwest corner of the village of Lansing.
One suspect was arrested and methamphetamine drugs with an estimated street value of $100,000 were seized.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents called the "rock" of methamphetamine seized "the biggest they have ever seen." according to Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi.
The sheriff said the occupants of the trailer were "independent" drug dealers, but "definitely some other people were dealing it for them."
The raid took place 2:30 p.m. Wednesday after a search warrant was obtained.
The 50-year-old man, who was home alone at the time of the raid, gave authorities what they believe is a false name, so his true identity will have to be verified before he appears in court.
Authorities seized 1 1/4 pounds of methamphetamine drugs, plus a small amount of marijuana. The drugs were "hidden all over the place," according to Amazi, who participated in the raid with her K-9 partner, Tia.
Authorities also found $4,000 in cash hidden in a boot.
Police said the raid culminates a lengthy investigation, which included video and audio surveillance of the trailer.
Also taken in the raid were equipment used in the manufacture of false identifications.
In addition to the Mower County Sheriff's Office and BCA, officers from the Austin, Owatonna and Albert Lea police departments participated in the raid.