Burnsville Man Faces Federal Indictment for 5,000 Gram Stockpile of Meth

The owner of a Burnsville barber shop is now facing federal drug charges in the wake of an early morning raid that uncovered $400,000 worth of methamphetamine.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it had brought an indictment against Albert Morris Johnson, 35. He faces five federal charges: One count of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of meth, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of meth, one count of distribution of 50 or more grams of meth, one count of being a felon in possession of a gun, and one count for possessing a firearm with an effaced serial number.

Johson was initially charged with two felony weapons charges and two counts of controlled substance crimes in the first degree in the Dakota County District Court. 

According to the criminal complaint against Johnson, the Dakota County Drug Task Force executed a knock-and-search warrant of Morris' home on River Woods Lane at 1:10 a.m. on May 1. No one responded to repeated commands to open up, the complaint states, so officers busted down the door. Johnson and a woman were seen coming down the stairs as officers entered. Both were cuffed as officers searched the home.

Two children, aged 17 and 1, were also present at the time of the raid.

Police say they discovered 24 bags of a "clear crystal substance" in the laundry room, which amounted to 12 pounds in all. The substance tested positive in the field for meth. The estimated street value exceeds $400,000.

Authorities also seized $16,000 in cash and three handguns. The serial number had been effaced from one of the guns, a HI-Point Firearms Model JCP 40 S&W. Johnson was previously convicted of second degree assault in Sherburne County in 2009, and therefore is not legally allowed to possess firearms. 

Officers also searched Johnson's hair salon, Q&A Barber Shop, which is located on the 2000 block of Cliff Road East.

If convicted of the federal charges he could face a maximum penalty of life in prison for possession with intent, 40 years for distribution and 15 years for the weapons charges.