Apple Valley police last week seized an estimated $140,000 worth of heroin, the biggest stash of the drug ever recovered in Dakota County, after being called to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex.

Warren Earl Comeaux, 48, of Brooklyn Park was charged Monday in Dakota County District Court with first-degree drug possession and sale. Comeaux already has served a federal prison term for drug possession and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Police discovered the heroin after they arrived at the apartment complex at 7465 W. 128th St. and saw Comeaux get out of a vehicle and begin digging through it, according to a criminal complaint. Fearing that he might be grabbing for a weapon, they ordered him out. Comeaux tried to run as the officers were patting him down, but they caught him, the complaint said. He told police he didn't own the vehicle and didn't know who did.

When police searched the vehicle, they discovered slightly more than two pounds, or almost 1,200 grams, of heroin, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors said Dakota County authorities had never before seized more than 500 grams of heroin.

Comeaux is free on $60,000 bail. His next court appearance is set for July 1.