Date Released: 6/21/2022
Date Of Incident: 6/19/2022
Agency(s): Minot Police Department & Ward County Narcotics Task Force
An alert officer and great teamwork resulted in the seizure of over 15,000 fentanyl pills and 80 grams of fentanyl powder with an estimated street value of over 1 million dollars.
On June 19th a Minot Police Officer observed suspicious activity that he associated with possible drug activity, at a local storage unit. He initiated further investigation and requested the assistance of one of Minot Police Department’s drug K9 units and the Ward County Narcotics Task Force. As a result of this investigation, the officer was able to apply for, and receive, a search warrant for the storage unit. Upon search a large amount of fentanyl and Marijuana were located. The Ward County Taskforce set up surveillance and eventually were able to identify the subject that the officer observed. This led to the execution of another search warrant at a second site where 10 more fentanyl pills were located. The Taskforce also seized two firearms and over $18,000 in cash. The Ward County Task Force conservatively estimates the value of this seizure at over $1 million.
30-year-old Ryan Rattler was charged with Possession with intent to deliver other schedule I, II, or III drugs, a class A Felony. He was also charged with Possession with intent to Deliver Marijuana, a class C Felony.
Fentanyl is responsible for the vast majority of the 38 overdose deaths in our area in 2020 and 2021. The Minot Police Department is committed to prosecuting those who distribute this dangerous drug. The great work of our officers and our partnership with the Ward County Narcotics Taskforce is undoubtedly responsible for saving many lives.