AK-47, Cocaine Among Items Seized in Rochester Traffic Stop

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police seized an AK-47, suspected cocaine and suspected mushrooms during a recent traffic stop. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Friday. The traffic stop occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday. 

The charges say a Rochester Police Officer on routine patrol stopped a vehicle with an inoperable brake light that failed to signal a turn near the intersection of 11th St. and 2nd Ave. Northwest. The driver was identified as 40-year-old Somnith Thuo of Rochester. 

The officer reported seeing open beer cans and a 9mm bullet inside of the vehicle. There was also an odor of fresh marijuana, the complaint says.  

Thuo and a passenger were removed from the vehicle and officers conducted a search. The search led to the discovery of a handgun, a container holding suspected cocaine and a case containing additional cocaine, suspected psilocybin mushrooms and a digital scale, the complaint says. 

Police also found an AK-47 in the vehicle’s truck. The suspected cocaine measured out to 13.5 grams without packaging and the suspected mushrooms weighed 19.9 grams with packaging, according to the charges. 

Thuo admitted the handgun belonged to him and also had $1,683 in cash on him, the court document says. He was arraigned Friday on charges of felony second and fifth degree drug possession and a third-degree drug possession with a firearm count. 

Thuo was released without bail and is due back in court next month.

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