Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji woman is facing a felony drug charge in Cass County after authorities said fentanyl was found inside a bag at Cedar Lakes Casino in Cass Lake.
According to a criminal complaint, Amber Larae Lord, 48, is charged with third-degree drug possession. The charge alleges she possessed more than five grams of fentanyl on or about September 30, 2025.
The complaint says casino security found a small leopard-print bag near a gaming machine. Inside the bag, authorities reported finding a blue container and a plastic sandwich bag with suspected drugs.
Court records state a player’s club card with Amber Lord’s name was found at the machine. Investigators also reviewed casino security video, according to the complaint.
The complaint alleges the video showed Lord using a gaming machine in a high-stakes area. Investigators said the leopard-print bag fell from the chair she was using before she left the area.
What Investigators Say They Found
Authorities said the blue container held two white rock-like pieces. A second bag reportedly held a white powdery substance.
Both items later tested positive for fentanyl, according to the complaint. The filing says the substances were first field tested and then sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for lab testing.
The lab results listed in the complaint say one item weighed .753 grams. A second item weighed 4.989 grams. The reported combined weight was 5.742 grams, with a small margin of error.
Prior Convictions Listed
The complaint also lists prior fifth-degree controlled substance convictions for Lord in Cass, Beltrami, and Hubbard counties.
The current charge was filed in the Minnesota District Court, Ninth Judicial District, under court file number 11-CR-26-346.
Under the complaint, the third-degree drug possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A charge is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Cedar Lakes Casino is located in Cass Lake and is operated in the Leech Lake area. More information about the property is available through the casino’s website.
Authorities have not released any final court outcome in the case. Further hearings will determine how the case moves forward in Cass County.