Mankato Man Arrested For Drug Possession, Firearm Violation

On 08/30/22 Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force Agents were conducting surveillance looking for 45 year old Michael Benard Eken of Mankato.  Eken had an active felony warrant for 3rd degree drug possession and felon in possession of a firearm after he failed to appear for a release conditions violation hearing.  Eken plead guilty to felon in possession of a firearm in July and agreed to a 60 month prison sentence.  He was released on conditions until his sentencing in November. 

Task Force Agents located Eken driving a vehicle on Monday at approximately 2:30 pm and conducted a traffic stop near Hoffmann Road and Victory Drive.  Eken was taken into custody and agents located approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket.  Agents then searched Eken’s truck and located a loaded 9mm handgun in the front seat.  Agents obtained a search warrant for Eken’s home and during execution agents located small amounts of methamphetamine and more handgun ammunition.

Eken is currently in the Blue Earth County Jail on new charges of 1st degree drug sales, 1st degree drug possession and felon in possession of a firearm.