Police Discover Meth & Fentanyl During Investigation of Rochester Drug Death

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man is facing charges following a methamphetamine and fentanyl bust at his home. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Monday morning. The charges stem from the execution of a search warrant by Rochester Police on Friday.

A news release issued Monday afternoon by Rochester police indicate the raid was tied to an ongoing drug overdose death case. Investigators conducted surveillance on the home before executing the warrant, the complaint says. 

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Over 100 grams of Meth Discovered During Search of Rochester Apartment

45-year-old Vincent Jordan Banks is charged with one count each of first-degree drug sales, first-degree drug possession and fifth-degree drug possession. 

The charges say officers executed the warrant after Banks left his apartment, located on 4 ½ St. NW. Police followed then stopped Banks at a business and informed him of the search. 

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Inside the apartment, police found a baggie in a coat pocket containing 113.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 1.7 grams of a white powder that tested positive for fentanyl in a chest, the complaint alleges.

Also in the apartment were multiple scales, one of which had residue that tested positive for meth, and packaging materials, the court document says. 

Rochester Police say the drug overdose death tied to the raid and subsequent arrest occurred this past Summer.

The investigation remains active and additional charges are expected as the case develops, the news release says.

Banks made his first court appearance on Monday morning. He is being held on $100,000 bail and is due back in court later this month. 

Story updated to reflect results of first court appearance and new information released by the Rochester Police Department.