2 men charged with drug possession near elementary school in Waseca

A pair of Waseca men are facing three felony charges each after agents with the South Central Drug Investigation Unit obtained a search warrant for a residence just a block from Hartley Elementary School and found extensive supplies of controlled substances.

Juan Carlos Galvan Jr., 27, and Miqeas Alvarez, 26, were each charged with third degree felony drug possession counts due to the discovery of cocaine within a school zone, along with fourth degree felony drug charges for possession of hallucinogens and intent to sell drugs.

According to the criminal complaint, the search took place on July 2. Officers with the Waseca Police Department attempted to make contact with the occupants and were unable to do so, but found the front door unlocked and entered, finding no one home.

Agents first searched a room which was apparently Galvan’s bedroom, locating firearms and a bag and scale with cocaine residue. In the closet, which was guarded by a padlock, they found three safes and were able to open them up.

The first safe was the most notable, as it included two baggies of marijuana, two baggies of psilocybin mushrooms, a jar and a baggie which both contained a white powder later confirmed to be cocaine, and a container with an “unknown yellowish substance.”

In the second safe, officers found $18,000 in cash, numerous financial cards, a passport and various documents, while the third safe was empty. Agents then searched a bedroom identified as Alvarez’s, where they found more sensitive documents, a firearm and drug paraphernalia.

Agents then went downstairs, where they located a large tote in the bathroom area that contained various drug paraphernalia. Inside the tote was a small plastic container which contained various THC products and psilocybin mushrooms.

Officers say the presence of a large amount of drug paraphernalia in the home, including pipes, spoons, baggies and scales, was consistent with the use and sales of controlled substances. Also found in the residence was over 100 grams of marijuana wax.