ROSEVILLE, Minn. - A 29-year-old Roseville woman faces drug charges after police found more than 11.5 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly $60,000 in cash in her apartment, according to the Roseville Police Department.
Police say they were initially called to Graciela Fernandez-Valle's apartment on the 600 block of West County Road B at 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday. They say that two males attempted to make forced entry into a second-floor apartment window, but were scared off and chased by the complainant.
When officers arrived on scene, the complainant provided officers with physical and clothing description of the suspects. A short time later, officers arrested a 21-year-old Oakdale man and a 21-year-old Afton man on attempted burglary charges.
The men told police that they were trying to break in to a "stash house," which was alleged to contain, "tons of coke and crystal meth" and "$200,000 cash."
Fernandez-Valle, who was not home on the night of the burglary attempt, was contacted by police. She agreed to allow officers to search her home, police said.
Police said they found the methamphetamine hidden behind a closet access panel and the cash hidden in the door of the apartment's stove.
When questioned about the narcotics and money, Fernandez-Valle told police she was fully aware there were illegal narcotics hidden in her apartment but claimed they were placed there by an unknown male for safekeeping.
According to detectives, Fernandez-Valle had been leasing the apartment since October 2011 and was formally identified by her Mexican Consular card. At this time, detectives are unsure if Fernandez-Valle has been allowed legal authorization to be in the United States.
Roseville Detectives said they are currently in contact with the Drug Enforcement Agency to determine if they will file federal charges because of the large quantity of methamphetamine and possible connections Fernandez-Valle may have with organized drug distribution.
Fernandez-Valle is currently in custody at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center with bail set at $250,000.
Fernandez-Valle could face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)