Officers found about 7 ounces of methamphetamine in a pink backpack in a car a Cologne woman was driving during a late-night traffic stop in New Hope, according to charges.
Pamela Marie Huffman, who was 38 at the time of the alleged offense, faces charges of first-degree drug sale and first-degree drug possession.
According to the complaint, New Hope police officers on patrol at about 10 p.m. on February 19, 2026, noticed a white Subaru Legacy parked outside a house on Winnetka Avenue North known for frequent narcotics and weapons violations. Officers recognized the location from previous arrests and saw no front license plate on the vehicle.
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After making other stops, officers saw the same vehicle being driven southbound on Winnetka Avenue North toward 62nd Avenue North around 11 p.m. and decided to pull it over for the missing plate.
Officers made contact with Huffman, who was driving, and a front-seat passenger. Huffman admitted the license plate was not properly affixed and was sitting on the dashboard. She was unable to provide proof of insurance, and officers learned her license was revoked. Officers noted that Huffman was sweating and avoided eye contact during the stop.
The passenger gave officers a false name, and Huffman told officers the passenger did not want to give his real name because he had warrants. Officers confirmed the passenger’s identity and found he had several outstanding warrants in multiple counties. He was arrested, and officers found about 0.07 ounces of methamphetamine on him.
While Huffman was placed in a squad car, she asked to speak with an officer and volunteered that there was a pink bag in the vehicle that was not hers, even though officers had not mentioned any bag. Officers found this suspicious and searched the vehicle, locating a pink backpack. Inside, they discovered several containers and bags holding a total of about 7 ounces of methamphetamine. The backpack also contained IRS documents in Huffman’s name with her current address.
The complaint states the amount of methamphetamine was far greater than that for personal use and indicative of possession with intent to sell.
The charges were filed September 25 in Hennepin County District Court.
About This Charge
Minnesota’s controlled-substance statutes are organized in five degrees under § 152.021 through § 152.025. First-degree possession or sale carries up to 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence depending on quantity. Fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin are all Schedule I or II controlled substances triggering the highest-degree statutes.
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Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 44 other cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
