Lake Park area: Fargo man charged in cocaine case

Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man faces a felony drug charge after a traffic stop.

Dustin Alexander Vines, 30, of Fargo, is charged in Becker County District Court.

The charge is a fifth-degree controlled substance crime, listed as a felony.

What deputies reported

Court records describe a traffic stop from Dec. 20, 2025.

A deputy was on County Highway 14 near County Highway 9.

The deputy saw a vehicle stop on the gravel shoulder.

The vehicle then went dark, with its lights off.

The deputy spoke with the people inside, records say.

The deputy reported several small alcohol “shooter” bottles in the back seat.

The deputy also reported smelling alcohol in the vehicle.

One bottle was half empty, with the cap still on.

The complaint says Vines had glossy, bloodshot eyes.

Vines told the deputy he had drunk alcohol earlier that day.

Records say the passenger was arrested on an active warrant.

Vines stepped out for field sobriety testing.

Deputies then searched the vehicle, according to the complaint.

During the search, deputies reported finding an open Twisted Tea bottle.

The bottle was under the passenger seat, records say.

Deputies also reported a plastic bag under the driver’s seat.

The bag held a white powder, the complaint says.

Investigators field-tested the powder during the stop, records say.

The test was positive for cocaine, according to the complaint.

The substance weighed 1.21 grams, including packaging, records say.

Vines denied the cocaine was his, the complaint says.

Court records say Vines was released on Dec. 22, 2025.

He was released without bail, under standard conditions.

His first appearance is set for Feb. 23 in Detroit Lakes.

District Judge Gretchen Thilmony is scheduled to preside.

Courthouse details are listed at Becker County District Court.

The charges are allegations. Vines is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.