North Mankato Man Arrested for Drug Possession and Sales After Narcotics Investigation

Over the past several months, Agents with the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force (CRDVOTF) have been conducting a narcotics investigation involving the sales of methamphetamine by Joseph James Wanous (Age: 42) of North Mankato.

During the investigation, an undercover agent was in direct contact with Wanous about purchasing methamphetamine. Wanous met with the undercover agent on multiple occasions and sold them large amounts of methamphetamine in three different counties in southern Minnesota. During those buys, the total amount of methamphetamine purchased from Wanous exceeded 150 grams.

On 04/08/2025 Agents with the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force and Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Wanous’ home near Spring Lake Park in the City of North Mankato, Nicollet County. During the search, Agents located Wanous in the basement of the residence. Agents seized an additional 70 grams of methamphetamine along with a digital scale, unused zip bags and other packaging materials indicative of drug sales in the residence and in his vehicle. In all, approximately ½ pound of methamphetamine was seized from Wanous and his residence during the investigation.

There were several aggravating factors present during the investigation including 3 separate transactions in three separate counties, sales of methamphetamine in a park zone and occupying a high position in the drug distribution hierarchy.

Wanous was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Aggravated Controlled Substance crimes by the Waseca County Attorney’s Office.

CRDVOTF Commander Scott O’Brien commented “Often times drug dealers will cross jurisdictional lines to distribute controlled substance to different areas in the state. In this case, several agencies were able to work together which resulted in seizure of a large amount of methamphetamine that was being distributed throughout southern Minnesota. The task force will continue to target upper-level drug dealers in our communities and hold them accountable.”

CRDVOTF agents were assisted by the MN River Valley Drug Task Force, South Central Drug Investigations Unit, North Mankato Police Department and Waseca Police Department.