Lake Area and Southwest Metro Task Forces secure $300K for anti-drug operations

The February 18, 2025, Minnetrista City Council meeting focused on updates regarding the West Metro Drug Task Force and its collaboration with the Southwest Metro Road Task Force. The mayor highlighted the successful merger of these task forces, which has allowed for increased funding and resources to combat drug-related issues in the community.

The council discussed the importance of the task force, noting that it has secured $300,000 in state funding to support its operations. This funding is crucial as traditional sources of forfeiture money have diminished. The task force's effectiveness was underscored by its impressive statistics from the previous year, which included 242 arrests, 308 search warrants executed, and the seizure of 72 illegal firearms. The collaboration has also led to six federal indictments, which are significant due to the harsher penalties associated with federal charges.

The meeting detailed the types and quantities of drugs seized, including 185 pounds of illegal marijuana, 148 pounds of methamphetamine, and over 28,000 fentanyl pills. The mayor pointed out that Minneapolis has become a major hub for illegal drug shipments, surpassing Chicago, which has implications for local communities as these drugs filter into the area.

The council acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by drug use and overdose deaths in the community, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies. The task force's ability to investigate overdose deaths and trace narcotics back to suppliers was highlighted as a critical function in addressing the drug crisis.

In closing, the council decided to cancel the upcoming March 3 meeting due to a lack of agenda items, with plans to reconvene on March 17. The meeting concluded with a report on the Mound Fire Commission, noting staffing changes and call statistics, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of community safety efforts.