UPDATED: Massive Apple Valley Heroin Bust Largest in Dakota County History

Apple Valley police uncovered more than two pounds of heroin, with an estimated street value of $140,000, during a disturbance call at a local apartment complex on March 29.

The bust is believed to be the largest in Dakota County history, according to a news release issued by Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom. Warren Earl Comeaux, a 48-year-old Brooklyn Park man, was charged yesterday with two felony, first-degree counts of possession of a controlled substance. If convicted on a single count, he could face a maximum of 40 years in prison and $400,000 in fines.

Police were called to an Apple Valley apartment complex at approximately 12:40 a.m. on Friday, where they noticed a man digging through a vehicle. Fearing that the man may be reaching for a weapon, officers ordered him out of the vehicle. As officers were patting the man, later identified as Comeaux, he tried to run, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office.

Officers were able to apprehend Comeaux, then searched the car and found a package of heroin concealed behind a removable vent cover, the complaint said.

"To keep the large quantity of this seizure in perspective, we have never seized more than 500 grains of heroin in an entire year in Dakota County. This seizure alone is over twice that amount," Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said in a news release.

"Heroin use and abuse has been increasing for several years in Minnesota," Backstrom added. "This is a significant threat to public safety and the health and welfare of those abusing this extremely dangerous and addictive drug."

Comeaux next court appearance is scheduled for July 1. He has prior convictions for conspiracy to posses with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.