Rochester Man Sentenced for Role in Massive Southeast Minnesota Meth Trafficking Conspiracy
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man who was convicted for his role in a local drug trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced to federal prison.
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He was charged almost two years ago following a large methamphetamine bust in southeast Minnesota.
The major drug bust occurred shortly after he received an early release from a prison sentence that stemmed from a previous major drug case, according to court records.
Rochester Man Sentenced to Prison for Massive 2022 Meth Trafficking Bust
A news release issued on Monday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Minnesota says 51-year-old Panh Thavong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine last July.
The guilty plea followed a bust that resulted in the seizure of a combined more than 34 kilograms of meth on Dec. 9 of 2022.
Local law enforcement seized 3.5 kilograms from a stash house at an undisclosed location, 4.5 kilograms from the rental unit, and 26 kilograms from a conspiracy vehicle, while executing a series of search warrants, according to federal court documents.
On Friday Thavong was sentenced to 20 years prison. The Rochester man is also ordered to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his time behind bars.
In September of 2019, Thavong was given a 10-year prison sentence after Rochester Police discovered about 1 ½ pounds of methamphetamine and about $1500 cash in a vehicle stopped after officers witnessed suspected drug sale activity.
That drug seizure led to additional searches of some residences, which resulted in the seizure of another pound and a half of meth and additional cash.
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He was granted an early release in that case in July of 2022, according to Minnesota Department of Corrections records.
Federal court documents allege he resumed his meth trafficking activities following his release from prison until the December drug bust.
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