Woodbury man charged in 'rare' narcotics case

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Formal charges were filed this month against a Woodbury, Minn., man accused of possessing more than 35 pounds of marijuana, along with other drugs in his Upper Afton Road residence.

Frank A. Santovi Jr. was charged March 14 with three felonies: first-degree cocaine possession, third-degree marijuana possession and a tax-related drug crime.

Santovi was released from Washington County jail Monday on a $100,000 bond.

Washington County prosecutors said the volume of marijuana and cocaine points to Santovi being a significant player in the drug game.

“It’s an indication of distribution,” said Washington County Attorney Pete Orput.

Imran Ali, the assistant county attorney prosecuting the case, called the possession of 35 pounds of marijuana “very, very rare.”

“It’s very difficult for anyone to make a claim they’re using marijuana for personal use,” Ali said. “Mr. Santovi is obviously a drug dealer.”

Santovi was first arrested Dec. 29, 2011, after members of a joint drug task force – acting on a tip – executed a search warrant at his residence.

According to a criminal complaint, investigators arrived and detected the smell of marijuana. Santovi, who was home at the time, along with two others, including a child, allegedly admitted there was “a large quantity” of pot in the basement, the complaint states.

Behind a locked basement door, investigators found large trash bags filled with a substance that prosecutors claim later tested positive for marijuana.

Authorities also discovered a false step on the basement stairs that was hinged. The false step contained more marijuana and more than three ounces of cocaine, according to the complaint.

In addition to the pot and cocaine, investigators also turned up vials labeled “recombinant human growth hormone,” psychedelic mushrooms, a digital scale, drug paraphernalia and a substance used to dilute drugs. Authorities also seized more than $9,200 in cash.

Ali said it is unlikely Santovi will face additional charges related to the additional drug discoveries.

“Right now it’s going to stand at those three counts,” he said.

According to the complaint, Santovi called his father while in Washington County jail. During the call, he allegedly told his father “they found it.” When asked how much was found, Santovi allegedly responded, “It’s enough.”

Santovi will make his first court appearance April 18.

Mike Longaecker is editor for the Woodbury Bulletin.

Tags: crime and courts, news, minnesota, crime