Federal authorities announced on Tuesday the indictment of 15 individuals on charges of trafficking illegal drugs from Mexico and distributing them in Minnesota. Among those indicted is Clinton James Ward, a 45-year-old Minnesota native identified as the operation’s leader.
Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger, during a news conference, stated that Ward faces over a dozen drug offenses and is charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, known as the “drug kingpin statute.” Luger described Ward as the mastermind behind “one of the largest and most prolific drug organizations that has operated in Minnesota.”
The criminal enterprise charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 20 years, while possession with intent to distribute has a 10-year mandatory minimum. Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, Ward could face a life sentence if convicted on all charges.
The other individuals named in the indictment face various charges, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession and distribution-related drug offenses. According to a federal prosecutor’s memo to the court, these individuals were residing in Minnesota and distributing drugs within the state.
Following his 2019 drug-related arrest, Ward fled to Mexico, where he established connections with the Sinaloa and CJNG drug cartels, building an international drug trafficking organization, Luger said.
Over the past five years, Ward operated a distribution network that moved thousands of pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine into Minnesota. Members of his network transported the drugs from Mexico using shipping containers, private vehicles, and semi-trailers.
In March, Mexican authorities apprehended Ward and extradited him to the FBI.
Authorities reported seizing over 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms) of methamphetamine, 30,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 4 kilograms (9 pounds) of cocaine, 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) of fentanyl, 45 guns, and over $2.5 million in drug-related proceeds.
Luger highlighted the significance of this case, calling it “one of the most sophisticated and significant drug trafficking organizations we have prosecuted.”
More than 50 individuals connected to Ward have been charged with trafficking-related crimes, according to Luger’s office.
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Ward’s attorney, Kurt Glaser, acknowledged being aware of the impending indictment but had not received it when contacted. He declined to comment further, noting only that Ward has a wife and two children in Mexico.
