Columbia Heights Man Charged With 44 Grams of Meth, Firearms and Suppressors

A 40-year-old Columbia Heights man is accused of possessing more than 44 grams of methamphetamine, firearms and suppressors after police executed a search warrant on July 31, according to the complaint.

The complaint lists three counts, all with an offense date of on or about July 31.

Cortney John Edstrom, 40, is charged in Anoka County District Court with second-degree drug possession, possessing ammunition or a firearm after a conviction for a crime of violence and possessing a suppressor not lawfully possessed. The complaint was signed Nov. 5.

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According to the complaint, detectives with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Enforcement Team began investigating the distribution of large quantities of controlled substances in June and July 2026. A confidential informant told investigators that Edstrom sold substantial quantities of methamphetamine and was in possession of numerous firearms. Investigators searched law enforcement databases to learn where Edstrom lived in Columbia Heights and obtained public images of him. The informant confirmed he was the person selling methamphetamine from his home.

On July 31, investigators obtained a search warrant for Edstrom, his person and a red Camaro associated with his drug distribution. Police stopped the Camaro, which was being driven by a woman. Inside the car, police found two bags of methamphetamine that field-tested positive. In the trunk, they found an AR-style rifle.

Officers stopped Edstrom at the Central Plaza Shopping Center in Columbia Heights. The complaint says Edstrom fled on foot but was apprehended. A search of his person turned up a small amount of methamphetamine that he was attempting to ingest as officers tackled him.

During a search of the home, police found additional firearms and suspected methamphetamine. Items listed in the complaint include two firearm suppressors in the kitchen, three AR-style rifle magazines in the garage and suspected methamphetamine in several locations at and around the residence. A sawed-off .22 caliber bolt-action rifle and a Ruger MK2 pistol were in a black gun case inside the residence.

The total weight of methamphetamine found in the vehicle, on Edstrom’s person and in the home was 44.65 grams, according to the complaint.