📍 Brainerd, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after authorities seized thousands of fentanyl pills from his storage unit and residence.
Defendant:
- Dazaughn Ellis West, 28
Charges & Legal Proceedings:
- One count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
- Plea entered on Monday, February 12, 2025
- Facing significant federal sentencing guidelines
Investigation & Major Drug Bust
📅 August 1, 2023 – Search & Seizure:
Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at:
✅ A storage unit linked to West
✅ His home in Brainerd, MN
🚔 What Investigators Found:
- 13,000 to 15,000 fentanyl pills (approximately 2.8 pounds)
- 150 grams of additional fentanyl pills at his residence
- Loaded semi-automatic pistol
- .22 caliber rifle
- Distributable quantities of cocaine
💊 Deadly Impact of Seized Fentanyl:
- The amount of fentanyl recovered is enough to cause tens of thousands of fatal overdoses.
- Fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S.
Federal Charges & Next Steps
📜 Plea & Sentencing Details:
- West pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court.
- Potential federal prison sentence: Length to be determined based on federal sentencing guidelines.
- Upcoming sentencing date: To be scheduled.
💬 U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger:
“This case is another example of the deadly impact fentanyl has on our communities. We will continue to pursue traffickers who put these dangerous drugs on the streets.”
Fentanyl Epidemic & Law Enforcement Response
📉 Minnesota’s Rising Overdose Crisis:
- 2023: Over 1,300 fentanyl-related deaths in Minnesota.
- Law enforcement crackdowns on distribution networks are ongoing.
🚔 State & Federal Efforts:
- DEA & local law enforcement working to dismantle fentanyl networks.
- Fentanyl seizures increasing due to border smuggling and domestic operations.
Final Thoughts
💬 This case highlights the growing fentanyl epidemic and the role of law enforcement in stopping traffickers before more lives are lost.
⚖️ West now awaits sentencing, which could result in a lengthy federal prison term.
📢 Further updates will be provided following sentencing.
📝 I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me