Shakopee Police Department 2024 Annual Report

DRUG TASK FORCE

By Agent Andrew Erickson, SWMDTF

SW METRO DRUG TASK FORCE The mission of the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) is to provide a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional effort to reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences and to provide effective drug awareness education through the coordination and resource sharing of participating agencies. The SWMDTF includes agents from the Scott, Carver, and McLeod County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Shakopee, Belle Plaine, Prior Lake, and Hutchinson police departments. The Minnesota National Guard provides the SWMDTF an in-house analyst who offers invaluable assistance to the task force.

The task force had another successful year in 2024: Among 238 investigations, officers seized a total of $253,268 worth of illegal drugs, more than $18,000 in cash forfeitures, 18 firearms, and two vehicles. The legalization of marijuana greatly reduced the monetary value of illegal drugs seized. Fentanyl powder continued to grow in popularity and accessibility with 453 grams recorded in 2023 increasing to 509 grams recorded in 2024. Fentanyl continues to remain a major issue across the state, with an increase in the distribution and use of Fentanyl in a powder form, which is what the task force encountered. Fentanyl in pill form, however, is down in 2024 when compared to 2023. In 2024, agents executed 126 search warrants, including electronic search warrants, residential search warrants, and others. This was an increase over 109 search warrants in 2023. The SWMDTF recorded 48 drug arrests in 2024 and 17 non-drug arrests. The SWMDTF will continue its commitment to improving the quality of life in local communities by deterring and preventing the use, distribution, and manufacturing of narcotics.

SWMDTF NARCOTICS SEIZED (IN GRAMS) 2023

2024

Heroin

26

0

Methamphetamines

5,722

2,822

Fentanyl Cocaine

433 533

509

67

Pictured above are a variety of the illegal drugs seized by SWMDTF during 2024.

SWMDTF seized the above firearms in 2024.

16 | Shakopee Police Department