By Bruce Karnick

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Hastings Police Chief Bryan Schafer released a statement regarding a drug bust on Sunday, March 6.

At about 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 6th, Hastings Police responded to Cub Foods regarding a suspicious vehicle and possible drug dealing. Upon arrival officers made contact with the occupants and also saw narcotics in plain sight. A vehicle search was conducted, and a substantial amount of marijuana, numerous edibles and THC vape pens/cartridges were seized. Kaleb William Ray Blackburn, age 18 of Hastings, was arrested on multiple felony charges.

Special thanks to the off-duty Dakota County Park Ranger who called this in and for the great response by our law enforcement officers.

The official arrest record indicates that charges are pending for: Charge level Felony, probable cause, “Drugs – 5th Degree Possess Schedule 1,2,3,4 – Not Small Amount Marijuana – FE” Lesser Charges included: Charge level Felony, probable cause, “Drugs – 5th Degree Sale – Marijuana Mixture Except Small Amount of Marijuana with No Remuneration – FE” Charge level Misdemeanor, probable cause, “Drugs – Possess Over 1.4 Grams Marijuana In Motor Vehicle – MS” Charge level Petty Misdemeanor, probable cause, “Drugs Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Use or Possession Prohibited – PM” A court date had not been set as of publishing.

Photo courtesy of the City of Hastings.

A large amount of marijuana in various forms was collected during the drug bust made by Hastings Police on March 6.