In a significant drug bust by Minneapolis Park Police, 28-year-old Bernard Augusta Mack has been arrested after officers confiscated a staggering 1,700-plus pills containing fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, during a stop at Elliot Park last week. The incident took place on December 23 when Mack, allegedly connected to a federal arrest warrant, attempted to evade police along with other occupants of the vehicle according to CBS News Minnesota.
The pursuit occurred at around 7:48 p.m., leading to the seizure of the drugs and the apprehension of Mack, who is now facing a first-degree aggravated controlled substance offense charge. Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto characterized the amount of fentanyl involved as "extraordinary for a street-level drug arrest," adding that it "could have harmed or killed countless people," as per CBS News Minnesota.
Elliot Park has been under scrutiny as a "focus zone," with officials citing a spike in violent activities throughout 2023. This bust sheds light on the deep-seated issues plaguing the park. Mack's notoriety is not limited to this recent encounter with law enforcement; his criminal record includes convictions related to theft, gun possession, and drug offenses, as reported by KSTP.
Mack is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court for the drug charge at 1:30 p.m., per CBS News Minnesota.
