02-28-2022 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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In 2021, the Ramsey County VCET Unit saw Drug Trafficking quantities and prices return to more normal levels unlike the year prior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, narcotic prices doubled and tripled due to the United States / Mexico border being closed for a long period of time. A pound of methamphetamine went from approximately $4,000 per pound to over $10,000 per pound in some cases. The Mounds View VCET Investigator continued to work alongside other Ramsey County VCET Investigators, Investigators throughout Minnesota / United States, and federal Law Enforcement agencies such as the DEA, ATF, FBI, and HSI. The following notable cases were led by the Mounds View VCET Investigator unless otherwise stated in the case summary: In early 2021, the Mounds View VCET Investigator was assigned a fatal overdose case. After further investigation, a suspect was developed who was said to be possessing and selling large quantities of controlled substances which were laced with fentanyl. A Confidential Informant was obtained who conducted numerous Controlled -Buys from the suspected fentanyl dealer. Search Warrants were simultaneously executed at numerous locations which resulted in the arrests of the suspect and his / her co-conspirator. At the completion of the Search Warrant, pound levels of fentanyl was recovered along with cocaine, heroin, three firearms, and nearly $25,000 US Currency. One of the firearms was reported stolen and the other had an obliterated serial number. The fentanyl dealer was indicted and charged in Federal Court while his / her co- conspirator was charged in State Court. In May and June 2021, the Mounds View VCET Investigator and New Brighton VCET Investigator opened a narcotic investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in the Saint Paul area. After days of surveillance, Investigators observed a narcotic customer meet with the methamphetamine dealer. A traffic stop was conducted on the customer in which a