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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.

Table of Contents

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.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
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

DWI driving while intoxicated printed on a paper clipped on a board with open fountain pen on a wooden table. DWI While Riding a Scooter

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.
Top view police officer examining criminal record at desk. criminal record impact new charges

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.