---

   Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on February 16th 2026, pursuant to an ongoing investigation into the use, sale, and trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Cass Lake Area, agents with the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and Leech Lake Tribal Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Grant Utley AVE NW in the City of Cass Lake.  

   A suspect was identified by law enforcement officers and was subsequently detained. Law enforcement located approximately 82 grams of fentanyl and $1,878 in US Paper currency. In a further search of the residence law enforcement located items indicative of drug sales to include digital scales, packaging materials, approximately 401 grams of methamphetamine, 115.65 grams of fentanyl, and one firearm was seized. This individual was transported to the Cass County Detention Center. Formal charges of fleeing on foot, obstructing legal process, and first-degree drug sales for methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

   Fentanyl is the primary driver of overdose deaths in the United States. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the great teamwork and collaboration we have with the Leech Lake Police Department and the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force in helping to remove it from the streets of our communities.

   Sheriff Welk reports that most of the investigations start with a tip from the public. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to report suspected drug or other crime related information to the Sheriff’s Office. You can request to speak to the Investigation staff and you can remain anonymous. You can also report tips and information online through Crime Stoppers of MN through their website portal at: http://crimestoppersmn.org

---