3 Pounds of Meth Found During Olmsted County Traffic Stop
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A 57-year-old man is facing first-degree drug charges after investigators say more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine were seized during a traffic stop in Olmsted County earlier this week.
According to a criminal complaint, Mark Darrel Steffes is charged with first-degree sale of a controlled substance and first-degree possession of a controlled substance following an investigation by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecutors allege Steffes sold or possessed large quantities of methamphetamine within a 90-day period and was found in possession of more than 50 grams of the drug.
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The investigation began in October 2025 when deputies opened a controlled substance investigation into Steffes. An investigator reported speaking with a confidential informant who said Steffes sourced methamphetamine from Chicago and sold bulk amounts in Minnesota. As part of the investigation, law enforcement tracked electronic cash transactions along with vehicle and phone movements and phone contacts tied to Steffes. Investigators noted repeated connections involving Mexico and Chicago, which the investigator stated are common source locations for controlled substances.
On the morning of Dec. 17, investigators observed Steffes traveling from the Twin Cities metro area to Olmsted County. Around 10 a.m., his vehicle was located and monitored as he drove to an apartment complex in northeast Rochester. Investigators reported Steffes entered the building for a short period before leaving and heading north toward the Twin Cities. Based on the distance traveled and the brief stop, the investigator wrote that the activity was consistent with a controlled substance transaction.
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While Steffes was driving northbound on Highway 52 in Olmsted County later that morning, a traffic stop was conducted. During the stop, Steffes allegedly told a deputy he had been in Rochester for a medical procedure, a claim investigators said they knew was not true. Given the ongoing investigation and the suspected transaction, a K9 sniff was conducted around the vehicle and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics.
A search of the vehicle followed. Deputies reported finding a locked safe inside a backpack in the trunk, a digital scale that tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine, two metal spoons and $734 in cash stored in two zippered bags. Investigators also located multiple quantities of suspected methamphetamine, including 29.6 grams and 1.3 grams on the front passenger seat, along with two large brick-style packages weighing approximately 1,071.3 grams and 393.6 grams. In total, investigators reported seizing more than 1,495 grams, or about 3.29 pounds, of methamphetamine.
The complaint said the investigator concluded Steffes possessed the drugs with intent to sell based on the total quantity, the presence of a scale and cash and the brick-style packaging, which investigators said is commonly associated with bulk distribution. Steffes was arrested and booked into the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center shortly before noon on Dec. 17, where he remains held awaiting arraignment.
Steffes is charged with first-degree sale of 17 grams or more of methamphetamine within a 90-day period and first-degree possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Each charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine if convicted.
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