Guilty Plea in Rochester Drug Bust Involving Seizure of $56,000

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man who was charged earlier this week with alleged drug-dealing activity today pleaded guilty in another case that involved the seizure of more than $56,000 in cash.

The criminal complaint against 27-year-old Abdikadar Ali was connected to a drug bust by the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office in May 2024. The court document says investigators executed a search warrant covering Ali's northwest Rochester residence and his vehicle.

Photo by Andy Brownell TSM Rochester

Drugs Seized From Vehicle and Residence

Investigators reported finding eight packages containing crack cocaine and another two packages of cocaine that weighed a total of 24.2 grams. The search also uncovered 86 pills of an opioid medication.

Large Stashes of Cash Found

In addition to the drugs, the criminal complaint says investigators seized a large amount of cash in denominations of $100, $50, and $20. The court document puts the total amount of cash at $56,170 and indicates nearly $41,000 was located in a suitcase in Ali's bedroom.

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Plea Deal

He was charged with first-degree drug sales, second-degree drug possession, and one count each of fifth-degree drug sales and possession. Under a plea agreement with Olmsted County prosecutors, Ali admitted to the first-degree drug sales charge in exchange for the dismissal of the other charges.

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New Charges Filed This Week

The plea agreement also dismisses a new criminal complaint brought against Ali on Monday. In that case, he was charged with one count of first-degree drug sales for allegedly selling 28.6 grams of cocaine to a law enforcement informant. The alleged drug-dealing activity also occurred in May 2024.

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