'Upper-Level Drug Dealer' Captured By Task Force In Minnesota

'Upper-Level Drug Dealer' Captured By Task Force In Minnesota

Joseph James Wanous, 42, was arrested earlier this week and charged with first-degree aggravated controlled substance crimes.

A North Mankato man and alleged “upper-level drug dealer” has been charged for his involvement in methamphetamine sales throughout southern Minnesota.

Joseph James Wanous, 42, was arrested earlier this week and charged with first-degree aggravated controlled substance crimes in Waseca County court.

The charges stem from an investigation by Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force.

As part of the investigation, an undercover agent contacted Wanous and arranged to buy large amounts of methamphetamine in three different counties. In total, Wanous sold the agent more than 150 grams of methamphetamine, according to the charges.

A search warrant executed Tuesday in Wanous’ North Mankato home and vehicle also found another 70 grams of methamphetamine along with a digital scale and packaging materials that indicated in-home drug sales, according to a press release from the CRDVOTF.

Cocaine was also found in Wanous’ vehicle, according to a criminal complaint.

“Oftentimes drug dealers will cross jurisdictional lines to distribute controlled substance[s] to different areas in the state,” CRDVOTF Commander Scott O’Brien said in a statement.

“In this case, several agencies were able to work together which resulted in seizure of a large amount of methamphetamine that was being distributed throughout southern Minnesota. The task force will continue to target upper-level drug dealers in our communities and hold them accountable.”

The agency began investigating Wanous in February.

SOURCE: Bring Me The News