3 arrested in meth bust

A yearlong investigation has led to the arrest of three people and the seizure of one pound of methamphetamine after the Lakes Area Drug Investigative Division executed a search warrant Aug. 30 at a residence on Hillman Road in Maple Road Township.

The methamphetamine totaled more than one pound with a street value of $200,000. Several loaded firearms also were found in the residence.

"This is one of the biggest drug busts we've done in a long time," said Sheriff Eric Klang. "I can't remember one we've done that big. A pound of meth is quite a bit, no matter where you're from. It's a pretty good score for us."

Three people, a 22-year-old woman, a 42-year-old man and a 38-year-old man, were arrested for possession and sale of a controlled substance as well as firearms violations.

According to the sheriff's department, it is believed that the meth was being trafficked into the area on a continual basis from Mexican drug trafficking organizations and distributed throughout the Crow Wing County area. Klang said an increase in drug trafficking could be the result of Crow Wing County's crackdown on local people buying precursors to meth and the meth labs themselves.

"Now that they've found we've caught on to them, they're getting someone else and muling it up here, in this case Mexico," Klang said.

This investigation continues and several more arrests are expected.

Agencies assisting with the investigation include the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Tactical Team, the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department, the Brainerd Fire Department and North Ambulance.

The public is urged to contact the Lakes Area Drug Investigative Division at 825-3422 or through the sheriff's department Web site at www.co.crow-wing.mn.us/sheriff if they suspect drug activity.

MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.