Hastings Man Charged with Multiple Felony Drug Sales and Possession Offenses Following Inver Grove Heights Traffic Stop
Published: April 4, 2026
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA - A 23-year-old Hastings man is facing multiple felony drug charges after a late-night traffic stop in Inver Grove Heights led to the discovery of controlled substances, cash, and alleged evidence of drug sales, according to a criminal complaint summons filed in Dakota County.
Lucas Michael Peters, of Hastings, has been charged with four felony counts, including two counts of second-degree controlled substance crime involving the sale of narcotics and hallucinogens, as well as third- and fifth-degree possession charges.
Traffic Stop Leads to Investigation
According to the complaint, the incident began shortly before midnight on December 27, 2025, when an officer with the Inver Grove Heights Police Department observed a vehicle in a hotel parking lot without front or rear license plates. After checking the vehicle’s identification number, the officer learned it had last been registered in California in 2012. Roughly 20 minutes later, Peters and a passenger returned to the vehicle and attempted to leave the area, prompting a traffic stop.
During the stop, Peters told officers he had recently purchased the vehicle in Wisconsin, but the title he provided had expired in 2022. Authorities also discovered his Minnesota driving privileges had been canceled.
Drugs, Scale, and Packaging Materials Found
After Peters exited the vehicle, officers reportedly observed license plates inside the car that did not belong to the vehicle. Peters also admitted there was a pipe inside the vehicle that he had used earlier to smoke methamphetamine.
A search of the vehicle, conducted with Peters’ consent, revealed a container with suspected methamphetamine under a blanket in the back seat. The substance later tested positive and weighed approximately 0.20 grams, according to the complaint.
Officers also located a shoulder bag containing an electronic scale, numerous plastic baggies of varying sizes, and a larger bag containing suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Testing by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension later identified the substances as MDMA and psilocyn, with a combined weight of approximately 17.7 grams. Authorities noted that the presence of a scale and packaging materials is commonly associated with drug sales.
Cash and Phone Evidence
Investigators also recovered $643 in cash from Peters’ wallet, mostly in small denominations, another indicator often linked to drug transactions, according to the complaint. Two cell phones were seized and later searched under a warrant. Investigators reported finding messages suggesting coordination of drug sales, including references to a meeting at a hotel in Inver Grove Heights and requests for a “whole one,” which officers believe refers to a full unit of drugs.
Messages also indicated plans to meet in a hotel room shortly before the traffic stop.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Peters is now facing the following charges:
Two counts of second-degree controlled substance crime (sale) — each carrying a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison and fines up to $500,000
One count of third-degree controlled substance crime (possession) — up to 20 years in prison
One count of fifth-degree controlled substance crime (possession) — up to 5 years in prison
As with all criminal cases, Peters is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. His first court appearance date is set for May 5, 2026, at 9 AM in Hastings, Minnesota.
Written by: Will Wight
