GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — Five individuals were charged with various crimes related to alleged fentanyl possession and transportation. The incident occurred on October 25th when law enforcement stopped a vehicle traveling along U.S. Highway 2.
The driver, Darla Rae Belgarde, stated she had picked up Olivia Rain Patneaud in Fargo as the latter requested a ride home. However, it was later discovered that Patneaud and others were allegedly transporting nearly 200 grams of fentanyl from Detroit to the Turtle Mountain Reservation.
A search of the vehicle revealed multiple bags containing fentanyl, totaling approximately 195 grams. Additionally, various drug paraphernalia items were found throughout the vehicle.
The five defendants – Olivia Rain Patneaud, Darla Rae Belgarde, Christian Lee LaRocque, Melvin Earl Byrd, and Jomell Emery Helm – are facing charges ranging from Class A felony possession of fentanyl to misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 9th.
Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me