Controlled Fentanyl Buys Lead to Arrest of Rochester Man

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A series of law-enforcement facilitated drug buys led to the arrest of a Rochester man with a criminal history.

See Also: Three Dead from Suspected Rochester-Area Drug Overdoses

The criminal complaint, filed in Olmsted County Court on Friday, says the arrest was the result of a narcotics investigation that started in February.

Olmsted County Adult Detention Center records indicate he was booked into jail on Thursday.

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Rochester, MN Accused of Selling Fentanyl to Informant Multiple Times, Now Faces Drug Charge

49-year-old Philip Glen Smith is facing one count of first-degree drug sales.

The criminal complaint says Rochester police conducted three controlled buys in which an informant, equipped with electronic surveillance devices, purchased fentanyl from Smith.

Smith. Olmsted County ADC

Smith sold a combined 17.7 grams of fentanyl during the controlled buys, the court document alleges. The alleged sales occurred between the start of the investigation and Smith's arrest.

Court records indicate Smith has a criminal record that dates back to 2003 and includes multiple assault-related convictions.

Smith’s conditional bail was set at $200,000 on Friday and his next court appearance is scheduled to happen later this month.