Nearly 60 Pounds of Meth, Almost 2 Pounds of Cocaine Seized in Golden Valley Drug Bust, Charges Say
Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
GOLDEN VALLEY: A man is facing two aggravated first-degree controlled substance crime charges after authorities allegedly seized nearly 60 pounds of methamphetamine, almost two pounds of cocaine and more than $16,000 in cash during the execution of a search warrant in Golden Valley.
Eric Prince Holton Jr., 44, is charged in Hennepin County District Court with two felony counts of aggravated first-degree controlled substance crime involving two aggravating factors.
According to the criminal complaint, detectives with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office West Metro Drug Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant Tuesday, Aug. 25, at an apartment on Golden Valley Road. The complaint notes that the residence is across the road from Seeman Park.
Authorities identified Holton as the target of the investigation and said he had been connected to the apartment through physical and electronic surveillance conducted before the warrant was executed. The apartment was rented by an associate of Holton, according to the complaint.
When officers entered the apartment, Holton was allegedly inside with an adult woman and two minor children.
During the search, officers allegedly discovered a black backpack containing multiple bags of methamphetamine and cocaine along with three digital scales. Additional bags of methamphetamine were allegedly found inside a large suitcase in the hallway and in a bathroom connected to the primary bedroom. Officers also allegedly located multiple bags of cocaine underneath a bathroom sink.
The complaint states that investigators also recovered multiple cell phones and $16,976 in cash.
In total, authorities reported seizing approximately 59.6 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.95 pounds of cocaine. Representative samples allegedly field-tested positive for the controlled substances.
According to the probable cause statement, authorities said the quantities were significantly greater than amounts associated with personal use and alleged they were indicative of drug distribution.
Investigators said Holton had been observed carrying a black backpack during the investigation that appeared to match the backpack in which some of the drugs were later found.
Following a Miranda warning, Holton allegedly admitted possessing the methamphetamine and cocaine in the apartment, according to the complaint. He also allegedly told authorities that the cash belonged to him and that he was not currently employed.
Court records cited in the complaint list three previous felony controlled substance convictions involving Holton, including third-degree possession in 2023 and first-degree possession convictions in 2019 and 2012.
Each of the two new charges carries a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison. The complaint also lists a minimum sentence of 86 months for each count.
Holton remained in custody at the time the complaint was filed.
The allegations contained in a criminal complaint are accusations. Holton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.