PINE COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – In a significant operation led by the Aitkin-Itasca-Mille Lacs Violent Crimes Enforcement Team (AIM VCET), on April 9th, a major drug and gun bust unfolded in Pine County, Minnesota. Over the past several months, law enforcement agents had been meticulously conducting a controlled substance investigation, culminating in a series of coordinated search warrants executed across Pine and St. Louis counties.
The focus of the investigation centered on individuals involved in drug trafficking, notably Nicole Maki, 37, of Culver, Minnesota. Maki was apprehended in Pine County, leading to the execution of search warrants on her vehicle. The outcome was the discovery of a substantial quantity of illegal substances, including 4.2 pounds of methamphetamine and one pound of marijuana. Additionally, Steven Svoboda, 42, of Meadowlands, was arrested in connection with the operation.
Maki and Svoboda are currently detained at the Pine County Jail, facing charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance. Further search warrants were executed at Maki’s residence, resulting in the seizure of a handgun and ammunition.
This successful operation underscores law enforcement’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of communities in Pine County.