Detroit Lakes Man Charged in Cocaine Case

Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man is facing felony drug charges after a court complaint alleges he was involved in a cocaine trafficking investigation.

Charles Hughes Sr., 56, of Detroit Lakes, is charged in Becker County District Court with first-degree drug crimes.

The charges include alleged sale of more than 17 grams of cocaine and possession of more than 50 grams of cocaine.

The complaint states the alleged activity happened between December 2025 and May 19, 2026.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

According to the criminal complaint, investigators began looking into suspected cocaine distribution involving Hughes and another person.

The complaint says another man was found with cocaine on two separate occasions.

Those substances were later tested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The complaint states the person told investigators he was receiving cocaine from someone known as “Chuck” in the Twin Cities area.

Investigators connected that nickname to Hughes, according to the court filing.

Vehicle Search Finds Suspected Cocaine

The complaint states investigators tracked Hughes’ cellphone location during an alleged trip toward Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Surveillance footage allegedly showed Hughes carrying a black backpack before entering a vehicle.

The vehicle was later stopped in Becker County after traveling back toward the Detroit Lakes area.

According to the complaint, the driver told investigators the backpack belonged to Hughes.

A search warrant was later executed on the vehicle.

The complaint states approximately 17 ounces of a substance that field tested positive for cocaine was found inside the backpack.

Authorities stated the amount was consistent with a quantity commonly associated with distribution.

Serious Felony Charges Filed

First-degree drug charges in Minnesota can carry significant penalties if a person is convicted.

The complaint lists possible maximum penalties of up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

These charges are allegations, and Hughes is considered innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Court records for the case are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.