People who are pulled over by the police often wonder exactly what rights they have. One thing that many people wonder is exactly when police officers can search a vehicle after a stop. The simple answer to this is that they can search your vehicle if they have "probable cause."
Caught with your friend's drugs? You can fight to defend yourself
You aren't someone who typically uses or carries drugs. In fact, when your friend asked you to hold on to a baggie of a substance you didn't recognize, it didn't even register that it could be a bag of drugs.
Homicide, murder charges for drug overdoses becoming more common
As the opioid epidemic continues to surge out of control across the country, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are getting tough on those whose alleged actions contribute to opioid use, addiction and fatalities. In some cases, that has meant homicide and murder charges against those accused of providing drugs to someone who ultimately died from an overdose.
Driving for a ride share? Be careful about drugs in your vehicle
Throughout the state, drug busts happen often. The authorities take pride in being able to track drugs and finding those who would sell or distribute them.
Facing drug charges? You deserve a solid defense
You were just trying to have a unique experience when you decided to buy drugs. You probably should have been more cautious, though. It turns out that the first person you tried to buy from had connections to the authorities.
Minnesota police ramp up marijuana enforcement
With cannabis legalization legislation being proposed in Minnesota, it may appear that there is widespread support for proposals to end the criminalization of people found with marijuana. Recreational cannabis has already been legalized in 11 states, and Minnesota may join them in the future. Nevertheless, in 2019, drug enforcement teams in the state reported a "record year" of drug seizures, particularly marijuana and other cannabis products. The agencies also said that drug raids and seizures for heroin, cocaine and prescription pills almost doubled from 2018 and 2019, while cannabis seizures spiked by 62% in the same time period.
Three men arrested during Hibbing drug bust
On Jan. 8, Minnesota authorities arrested three men for allegedly possessing and distributing methamphetamine. The trio was taken into custody in Hibbing.
Duluth cops seize record amount of fentanyl
On Nov. 21, Minnesota authorities arrested two men for allegedly distributing fentanyl in the Duluth area. The undercover operation led to the seizure of 80 grams of pure fentanyl powder, which is the largest amount ever confiscated in the state.
Minnesota judge rules drug search unconstitutional
A Minnesota judge ruled on Oct. 8 that police did not have sufficient probable cause to search a camper in March. The ruling led to the release of two Montana men who were taken into custody when police discovered more than 900 pounds of marijuana in the camper. The men were facing up to 30 years in prison on drug possession charges.
Almost 77,000 THC vaping cartridges seized in Minnesota
On Sept. 23, Minnesota authorities confiscated nearly 77,000 illicit THC vaping cartridges from a residence in Coon Rapids. The bust is thought to be the one of the largest drug busts in state history.
