Large Stash of Liquid Codeine Found During Rochester Drug Bust
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A 20-year-old Rochester man has been charged in connection with a drug bust last week that led to the seizure of nearly 2 1/2 pounds of liquid codeine.
A criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Friday charges Thoung Duong Duy Nguyen with first-degree drug sales and possession along with a second-degree drug possession charge. The court document indicates the charges stem from an investigation into an advertisement posted by Nguyen on his social media account offering to sell the narcotic.
The charges say a Rochester Police Department investigator answered the online ad using a law enforcement-created social media account and Nguyen allegedly agreed to sell him a bottle of codeine for $300. That led to the execution of a search warrant at Nguyen's residence in the 5100 block of 51st Street Northwest on Thursday.
The criminal complaint says Nguyen met police investigators at the door and agreed to give a statement, during which he admitted using Oxycodone, Codeine, OxyContin, and marijuana. He also admitted there was a so-called "ghost gun" in the residence, but denied selling drugs.
The search of the residence and a vehicle led to the discovery of more than 1200 grams of liquid codeine, nearly 71 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, a large jar of marijuana, and almost $3300 in cash. Investigators also found a digital scale inside the vehicle, which also contained a paper that listed possible weights and prices.
The court document also lists the discovery of empty packaging cartons for codeine bottles as further evidence of drug sales. Several ammunition magazines for handguns were also located in various locations in Nguyen's bedroom.
He has been ordered to report to Olmsted County Court for his initial hearing on the charges on May 24.
