Drug Crimes on the Rise in the Red River Valley

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 There have been a number of drug related crimes in the metro in the last week and community leaders say the numbers are only getting higher.
 
A seizure of $14,000 worth of crystal meth is the latest significant drug arrest in the area.

“Without question there’s been an ongoing increase in our drug activity throughout the metro area,” said Moorhead Police Department Lt. Tory Jacobson.
 
It’s been a busy month for police officers here in the metro.

The latest drug crime happened here at the Super 8 Motel in Moorhead.

Moorhead Police last night arrested 42–year-old Moises Santana for possessing with intent to distribute almost 70 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
 
Local groups that specialize in addiction say they’ve seen a rise in the number of people calling in.
 
“I see an increase with family members calling me. I’ve already talked with a few family members this morning, and I have a few more messages from family members,” said Beth Brantner with reGROUP/Lost and Found Ministry.
 
“Moorhead police say one of the main reasons drugs are becoming more prevalent in the area is because the people who sell it make a good amount of money here.”
 
“Clearly there’s a demand in our area and that this is a location that people are trafficking in here and some of the reasons clearly is the profit margin,” said Lt. Jacobson.
 
Counselor Beth Brantner says here are many groups that can help people who are in recovery.
 
“We need to find out what are they using, how often are they using, are we looking at withdrawal, what are the possibilities,” said Brantner.
 
With nearly 100 pounds of marijuana being seized in Clay County and more than 100 hits of LSD being seized from a teen, police say they appreciate any help or tips from the community.
 
Police say a lot of the crimes that have been going on in the metro have been drug related.