Thief River Falls: 107g Meth Found at Oak Lodge

Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — Two women face felony drug charges after a search in Thief River Falls.

Investigators say the case centers on an apartment at Oak Lodge Senior Housing on Ninth Street West.

Court records say officers recovered about 107 grams of methamphetamine in the unit.

Search warrant at senior housing

The investigation began after a separate arrest on Jan. 13, according to the criminal complaint.

A woman arrested that day agreed to give a recorded statement.

She said she left Debra Robin Fields’ apartment shortly before a traffic stop.

She said she received meth from Fields.

She mentioned “eight-balls” and “T-shirts,” court records say.

An eight-ball can mean about 3.5 grams.

A “T-shirt” can mean about 1.75 grams.

Investigators said the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force had prior tips about the address.

A search warrant was issued for Fields’ apartment, court records say.

Law enforcement served the warrant around 9:07 p.m. on Jan. 13.

Tanya Marie Azatassou was inside the apartment, the complaint says.

Fields was in another part of the unit during entry.

What investigators say they found

Investigators reported multiple containers that tested positive in the field for meth.

They also reported a digital scale and packaged baggies.

They found $877 in cash in the bedroom, the complaint says.

Investigators also reported a safe with Fields’ name.

They found more meth and pills inside, according to court records.

They also found gabapentin pills in a bottle with another woman’s name.

Investigators said the total meth weight was about 107.1 grams, including packaging.

Azatassou allegedly had about 0.5 grams of meth in her purse.

They also found three zolpidem tablets, the complaint says.

Zolpidem is a Schedule IV drug under federal law.

What Fields allegedly said

Fields allegedly told investigators the meth belonged to her.

She said she packaged it for sale, according to the complaint.

Fields called some material “reclaimed” meth, the complaint says.

She said buyers usually paid in cash.

She claimed $800 came from casino winnings.

She said the rest came from drug sales.

Fields also spoke about family visits, the complaint says.

She said she kept items in one place when grandchildren visited.

She also said her drug use increased after her son Nathan died.

Azatassou allegedly bought meth from Fields and used some there.

Charges filed

Fields, 60, of Thief River Falls, is charged with first-degree and third-degree controlled substance crimes.

Azatassou, 53, of Fargo, is charged with fifth-degree controlled substance crimes.

A felony complaint was filed in Pennington County District Court.

For drug law details, see
Minn. Stat. § 152.021,
Minn. Stat. § 152.023,
and
Minn. Stat. § 152.025.

For controlled drug schedules, see the
DEA drug scheduling overview.

For tips, see the
Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force tip program.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.