Minneapolis Man Charged After Police Allege Major Drug Trafficking Operation, Seize Hundreds of Grams of Fentanyl and Meth
Published: July 30th, 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS: A Minneapolis man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities allege they uncovered a large-scale drug trafficking operation that resulted in the seizure of hundreds of grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine, cocaine, two loaded handguns, and thousands of dollars in cash.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court, Bernard Miles Jr., 36, has been charged with four counts of first-degree controlled substance crimes involving the sale and possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person previously convicted of a crime of violence.
According to the complaint, Minneapolis police were conducting surveillance near the intersection of 12th Avenue South and East Lake Street on July 28 when officers observed activity they believed was consistent with street-level drug sales.
Prosecutors allege officers watched Miles preparing small plastic baggies while another woman concealed the bags in her dress and appeared to store them nearby. Investigators allege Miles was then seen approaching a vehicle, exchanging an item with a passenger, and receiving something in return.
Police arrested Miles shortly afterward. According to the complaint, officers recovered approximately 32.7 grams of crack cocaine, 8.4 grams of cocaine powder, 13.3 grams of methamphetamine, 17.7 grams of fentanyl, and $668.65 in cash from his person. The complaint states Miles initially denied possessing narcotics and allegedly asked officers to throw away the crack cocaine found in his pocket.
During an interview, prosecutors say Miles admitted there was a firearm underneath his white Dodge Charger parked nearby and another firearm inside his residence on the 2500 block of Harriet Avenue South. He reportedly denied having additional drugs inside the residence.
Authorities later executed a search warrant at the home. According to the complaint, officers discovered approximately 244.5 grams of fentanyl and 129.9 grams of methamphetamine hidden behind a stove, along with a digital scale commonly associated with drug distribution and $6,987.48 in cash.
Investigators also recovered a Polymer80 9mm handgun with a round chambered, a loaded magazine, a drum magazine, a handgun optic, and related firearm accessories from the residence, according to court documents.
A search of Miles' white 2016 Dodge Charger allegedly resulted in the recovery of a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, additional cash, and a pill bottle containing loose pills without identifying information.
According to prosecutors, Miles later admitted during a second interview that he did not have legitimate employment and instead used money provided by his girlfriend to purchase narcotics, which he then allegedly resold for profit. The complaint further states Miles acknowledged knowing about the drugs hidden behind the stove and said he lived alone at the residence.
Court records cited in the complaint allege Miles has prior felony drug convictions from 2011 and 2015, making him ineligible to possess firearms under Minnesota law. Prosecutors also allege he has three prior convictions for prohibited firearm possession and currently has a separate pending Hennepin County felony case involving first-degree drug sale and firearm possession stemming from an April 15, 2026, incident.
Miles remains in custody.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations. Miles is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.