West St. Paul Man Charged with First-Degree Drug Possession After 150 Grams of Meth, Guns Found in Safe
WEST ST PAUL, MINNESOTA—A West St. Paul man is facing a first-degree controlled substance charge after officers allegedly discovered more than 150 grams of methamphetamine and two loaded handguns inside a safe during a search of his residence.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Michael Allen Clifton, 50, from West St Paul, was charged with one felony count of First-Degree Controlled Substance Crime – Possession (Cocaine/Meth). Prosecutors allege the offense involved 100 or more grams of methamphetamine and that Clifton possessed firearms at the time of the offense.
Search Warrant and Discovery
According to the criminal complaint, on October 2, 2025, officers with the West St. Paul Police Department executed a search warrant at Clifton’s home in the 200 block of Roeller Avenue in West St Paul. Inside a safe, investigators reportedly found multiple baggies of a white substance, hypodermic needles, and two loaded handguns. Field testing confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 150.55 grams, three times the statutory threshold for a first-degree offense.
The criminal complaint states that following his arrest, Clifton was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators. During the interview, he allegedly admitted to having used methamphetamine for the past two years and acknowledged possessing both the drugs and firearms found in the safe. He also admitted that he had been selling methamphetamine, according to the complaint.
Bail and Potential Penalties
Dakota County prosecutors requested high bail, citing public safety concerns due to the quantity of methamphetamine and the presence of firearms. On October 3, a judge granted the state’s request, setting bail at $100,000 without conditions or $80,000 with conditions.
Under Minnesota Statute 152.021, subdivision 2(a)(1), a conviction for first-degree possession involving more than 100 grams of methamphetamine carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000. A mandatory minimum of 65 months applies if convicted, depending on the individual's prior criminal history and the circumstances.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
