A St. Paul man was charged Tuesday in what authorities characterized as a "large-scale" marijuana distribution ring between California and Minnesota, involving several suspects and more than $1 million.
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the investigation, declined to comment Tuesday or say whether more charges were expected.
But complaints against two men, along with several search warrant affidavits, offer a glimpse of the stealth operation. "This operation has seen thousands of one-pound packaged marijuana baggies being driven across country from California to Minnesota in rental cars," said an affidavit filed Tuesday. "The investigation is being reviewed by the United States Attorney's Office, as the network is large and covers multiple states."
Cher Yang, 40, was charged Tuesday in Ramsey County District Court with one count of third-degree drug possession with intent to sell. His co-defendant, Paul Vang, 40, was charged in June with fifth-degree drug possession with intent to sell.
Addresses in St. Paul, Little Canada, Maplewood and Woodbury have been searched as part of the investigation.
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