3 face serious charges after 2 marijuana busts

Investigators found 130 pounds of pot in a Savage home and a pot-growing operation in Watertown.

Star Tribune

Last update: June 18, 2009 - 9:49 PM

A Savage man faces serious drug charges after authorities seized 130 pounds of marijuana valued at close to half a million dollars at his home, while two Carver County men are charged in a separate case with growing marijuana in a home.

Bao Vu Nguyen, 34, was charged with a second-degree controlled substance crime after the April 7 raid on his Savage home by the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force.

The Task Force received a tip April 6 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement that a shipment of marijuana from Detroit would be arriving in Shakopee. Authorities began surveillance of a vehicle, which was driven to a home on Shoreside Circle in Savage.

The Task Force served a search warrant on the home early on April 7, where officials discovered the shipment containing 100 pounds of marijuana, along with an additional 30 pounds already in the house. Authorities estimated the wholesale value of the drugs at $455,000. It was intended for distribution in the Twin Cities metro, officials said.

Carver County Sheriff Bud Olson called the seizure one of the larger ones for the Task Force. The marijuana was grown in Canada and taken across the border to Detroit. After Nguyen's arrest, authorities questioned others involved in the transfer of the drugs, which delayed announcement of the bust, Olson said Thursday.

"This had some tentacles to it that are greater than Minnesota," he said.

If convicted, Nguyen faces up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

On June 9, Joseph Molde, 29, and Ryan Long, 32, both of Watertown, were charged with fifth-degree controlled substance crime after a June 9 search by the Task Force of their house in the 1200 block of Waters Way. Authorities found a marijuana growing operation that included plants in a room equipped with special horticulture lights, ballasts and a hydroponic system. Drying and bagged marijuana, a digital scale, water bong, pipes and other equipment were also seized.

A 5-year-old child was taken from the residence and returned to its mother.

If convicted, the men face up to five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

ABBY SIMONS