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Surprising Facts About Drug Trafficking Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota has strict laws and heavy penalties for drug traffickers, making them some of the harshest in the country.

Know the Facts on Drug Trafficking

Law enforcement is cracking down on arrests for drug traffickers, especially for the possession, distribution, and sale of heroin and methamphetamines. The sale of heroin and methamphetamines is big business in Minnesota, and the use of these drugs in the state has reached epidemic proportions. Minnesota officials are committed to arresting drug traffickers and putting them behind bars to get them off the streets.

In 2017, 41 people were indicted for drug trafficking with a multi-state drug trafficking ring operating in Minnesota, North Dakota, and other states. Drugs including heroin, oxycodone, and opioid prescription painkillers were being trafficked to Native Americans. Minnesota law and drug enforcement officials seized over $1 million in illegal drugs during a drug trafficking bust.

In 2018, the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force made the single largest meth bust in Minnesota history when they seized over 170 pounds of methamphetamines. Four men were arrested and charged in Hennepin County District Court.

Penalties for drug trafficking in Minnesota depend on three factors:

The Number of Drugs

In Minnesota, possession of the minimum amount of a drug can be considered drug trafficking by law. Minimum possession includes:

  • 25 grams or more of heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine
  • 100 grams or more of marijuana
  • 500 grams or more of any narcotic drug besides heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine
  • 500 grams or 500 dosage units of amphetamine, hallucinogen, or phencyclidine

Possession of controlled substances is punishable by up to $1 million in fines, 30 years in prison, or both. If drugs are trafficked across state lines, penalties jump to up to $1,250,000 in fines and up to 35 years in prison.

Federal Charges

When drugs are trafficked across state lines or involve trafficking in more than one state, a person can face both state and federal charges. Penalties for federal drug trafficking charges can be as much as $5 million in fines and 5 to 40 years in prison.

Knowledge of Drugs

Minnesota laws for drug trafficking require intentional knowledge of drug possession and distribution. If a person has no knowledge of drugs found in his/her possession, he/she can’t be convicted on drug trafficking charges.

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.