Brainerd, MN (trfnews.i234.me)βA 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 β 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:
βThis 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.β
Fentanyl Epidemic & Law Enforcement Response
Minnesotaβs 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.
Iβm Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me