ICYMI: Minnesota Woman Sentenced for Masterminding a Shocking $10 Million Drug Ring
A Minnesota woman ran a $10 million drug operation from Mexico, coordinating massive shipments tied to the Sinaloa cartel. š #News #StCloudMN #Minnesota #Crime
ST. CLOUD, MN – A woman from St. Cloud, Minnesota is facing over two decades in prison after orchestrating a massive drug trafficking network with connections to Mexicoās infamous Sinaloa cartel. The operation funneled millions of dollars’ worth of narcotics into the Upper Midwest and left a trail of arrests across multiple states.
Guilty Plea and Federal Sentencing
Macalla Lee Knott, 32, received her sentence in U.S. District Court in Fargo, North Dakota last week after pleading guilty nearly two years ago.
She admitted to charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder money, and running a continuing criminal enterprise. Prosecutors presented evidence detailing her significant role in leading the complex operation while living in Mexico.
Knott moved to Mexico in March 2020, where she directed a team responsible for distributing large shipments of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Authorities reported that the network handled over $10 million worth of drugs, making it one of the largest trafficking operations in the region.
Massive Drug Shipments and Cartel Connections
The investigation uncovered substantial quantities of narcotics linked to the operation, including:
- Over 100 pounds of methamphetamine
- Nine pounds of fentanyl powder
- 120,000 fentanyl pills
The drugs were sourced from the Sinaloa cartel, once headed by notorious drug lord Joaquin āEl Chapoā Guzman. Authorities stated that Knott oversaw payments to the cartelās suppliers and coordinated logistics for drug shipments across state lines.
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation, which spanned several years, led to charges against 18 people from Minnesota in North Dakotaās federal court. So far, 13 of those charged have been sentenced, while three others are awaiting sentencing. Charges were dropped for two individuals.
Among those already sentenced is Knottās father, 53-year-old Jeffrey Knott of St. Cloud, who was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison last year.
Pleas for Leniency and Prosecutorsā Response
Knottās friends and family pleaded with the court for a lighter sentence, pointing to her personal qualities and requesting consideration of her circumstances.
Prosecutors, however, maintained that Knottās leadership and ability to manage the operation from abroad made her a key player in the sophisticated trafficking network.
With Knott now facing more than 26 years behind bars, authorities hope the sentencing will deter further criminal activity linked to cartel operations in the region.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Mexico | Minnesota | North Dakota
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
Consider Knottās personal qualities and requesting consideration of her circumstances? Doesnāt quite add up when her actions allowed drugs to get into the hands of kids, among others.
I can’t imagine what kind of extenuating circumstances there could possibly be to allow any leniency in the sentencing of this woman. She knew exactly what she was doing, knew that she was committing multiple felonies, and carried them out with great expertise. To allow any leniency would be the same as condoning her actions.
Hi Dave! Yeah, that raised our eyebrows too! Thanks for reading/commenting – hope you have a great week! š – Jack and Kitty
Good morning, Doris – GREAT points! Totally agree š Have a great week! – Jack and Kitty