Narcotics detectives from the MNPD’s Specialized Investigations Division, in partnership with the DEA, today seized 201 pounds of marijuana coming from a home at 4120 Crimson Hop Drive as part of a drug trafficking investigation of the resident, Thanouphet Mangala, 37.
Mangala is jailed tonight in lieu of $100,000 bond on a charge of possessing marijuana for resale. A co-defendant, Jack Khounviengxay, 37, is jailed in lieu of $130,000 bond on felony marijuana and firearm charges.
During surveillance at the home today, Khounviengxay, driving a Toyota Camry, was seen arriving and pulling into the garage. A short time later, the garage door opened and Khounviengxay left, as Mangala drove out of the garage in his Range Rover. Detectives and agents followed and stopped both vehicles. Inside the Camry were large black trash bags that were found to contain a total of 94 pounds of marijuana and a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Inside the Range Rover were black trash bags containing a total of 105 pounds of marijuana. Both vehicles were seized.
During the execution of a search warrant of the Crimson Hop Drive residence, detectives recovered 2.5 pounds of marijuana, drug ledgers and a money counter.
