We continue to see the devastating impacts of fentanyl in our communities. With this seizure, we know that hundreds, if not thousands of lives have been saved.”

Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry

An investigation by the Washington County Drug Task Force, in partnership with the Cottage Grove Minnesota Public Safety and other partnering agencies, has led to the seizure of 280,000 fentanyl pills -- the largest in state history.
U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced charges Thursday against six individuals in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl throughout the Twin Cities. According to court documents, between August and December 2022, Cornell Montez Chandler, Jr., 24, Robiel Lee Williams, 23, Quijuan Hosea Bankhead, 30, Stardasha Christina Davenport-Mounger, 24, Fo’Tre Devine White, 26, and Shardai Rayshell Allen, 24, conspired to distribute fentanyl in Minnesota. Several defendants traveled to Phoenix to obtain fentanyl pills from suppliers, hid the pills inside stuffed animals, and mailed them to addresses in and around the Twin Cities. All six defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. White was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm as a felon and one count of possession of a machine gun.
The investigation, conducted by the Washington County Drug Task Force, Dakota County Drug Task Force, Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, resulted in the seizure of over 66 pounds of counterfeit fentanyl pills with a combined estimated value of over $2.2 million. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, just 2mg of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose.
“We continue to see the devastating impacts of fentanyl in our communities,” said Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry. “With this seizure, we know that hundreds, if not thousands of lives have been saved.”
The Washington County Drug Task Force (WCDTF) is a multijurisdictional unit that investigates cases involving the illegal selling, buying, and possession of controlled substances. The WCDTF is a partnership between the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Cottage Grove Police Department, and Forest Lake Police Department.
“The Washington County Drug Task Force is just one of the many partnerships our agency is proud to be part of,” said Cottage Grove Police Chief Pete Koerner. “The incredible work of the agencies involved is a testament to the dedication and commitment we all share to safeguarding our communities.”