Hundreds of Fentanyl Pills Seized Following Rochester Traffic Stop

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police seized hundreds of suspected fentanyl pills during a traffic stop earlier this week. 

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That’s according to Rochester Police Captain Casey Moilanen. He said Thursday the traffic stop occurred around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the area of 3rd Ave. and 16th St. Southeast. 

Moilanen said the officer who conducted the stop knew the driver of a vehicle, identified as 41-year-old Lydelle Antwane Mack, had a canceled driver’s license. Moilanen said the officer approached the stopped vehicle and Mack, who is homeless in Rochester, opened the driver’s side door to speak with police. 

The officer then noticed a spoon with a white powder in the door compartment that Mack claimed was toothpaste. The officer then asked Mack if there were illegal drugs in the vehicle. 

Moilanen said Mack opened the glove compartment that contained a package of open marijuana, which is still prohibited to have in a motor vehicle despite the new state law.

The marijuana discovery prompted a vehicle search that led to the discovery of 665 M-30 pills that are typically laced with fentanyl. The criminal complaint, filed against Mack in Olmsted County Court Wednesday, says Mack also had more than $5,600 in cash on him at the time of his arrest.

Mack was arraigned Wednesday on felony charges of first-degree drug sales and first-degree drug possession. The judge in the case set his bail at $50,000 without conditions. 

Court records indicate Mack is awaiting sentencing in Freeborn County after being convicted of a felony protection order violation charge this past June. 

He’s due back in court for the Olmsted County drug case later this month.