BRAINERD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Brainerd traffic stop led to felony drug possession and gross misdemeanor DWI charges against a 29-year-old man.
Andrew Philip Ciesluk, 29, is accused of possessing methamphetamine and operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Crow Wing County District Court, police recovered approximately 0.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Traffic Violation Leads to Late-Night Stop
The investigation began November 3, 2026, at approximately 11:58 p.m.
A Brainerd police officer noticed a vehicle traveling westbound on Oak Street with an inoperable upper brake light.
The officer also observed the vehicle briefly cross into an oncoming traffic lane while apparently preparing to turn south.
The driver then changed direction and continued westbound.
Police stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Ciesluk.
A woman was seated in the front passenger seat.
Officer Reports Signs of Possible Drug Impairment
According to court documents, the officer noticed that Ciesluk’s pupils appeared dilated and his fingers were moving restlessly.
The officer, who was trained as a drug recognition evaluator, began investigating possible impairment.
During questioning, Ciesluk initially reported using fentanyl earlier that Tuesday.
He later changed his account, saying he had used fentanyl the previous Sunday.
The officer asked Ciesluk to complete field sobriety testing.
According to the complaint, Ciesluk completed two tests but declined additional testing.
During one test, the officer observed eyelid tremors and swaying.
Ciesluk also estimated a 30-second interval as lasting 39 seconds.
Police reported that Ciesluk later acknowledged using methamphetamine and fentanyl that morning.
Police Discover Suspected Methamphetamine
Officers arrested Ciesluk on suspicion of driving while impaired by a controlled substance.
Police then searched his vehicle.
According to the complaint, officers discovered a backpack directly behind the driver’s seat.
Inside, they allegedly found a glass pipe and a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
The substance weighed approximately 0.6 grams and produced a positive preliminary field-test result for methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under Minnesota law.
Blood Sample Collected After Arrest
Following the arrest, Ciesluk was transported to a local hospital.
Investigators obtained a search warrant authorizing the collection of blood or urine for chemical testing.
Ciesluk provided a blood sample at the hospital.
The criminal complaint does not include the results of laboratory testing on that sample.
He was later transported to the Crow Wing County Jail.
Felony Drug and DWI Charges Filed
Prosecutors charged Ciesluk with fifth-degree controlled substance possession under Minnesota Statute 152.025.
The felony charge carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
He also faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge involving a controlled substance under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint cites a previous DWI conviction from 2017 as an aggravating factor.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.26, the alleged offense qualifies as third-degree DWI.
That charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Crow Wing County Court Case
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 18-CR-26-4130.
The complaint lists an order of detention and references prior controlled substance convictions.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Ciesluk is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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