BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) – Two men, Elijah McKinney and Cyrie Simpson, have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies for allegedly trafficking drugs across North Dakota.
The investigation began on December 26, 2024, when authorities received a fraud alert related to a woman attempting to rent a home in Minot. Weeks later, another property owner became suspicious when a woman rented a home, but only men were seen coming and going at night, often in rental cars.
In January, the Ward County Drug Task Force obtained a warrant to search the Minot home. Investigators discovered over $13,000 in cash, two M-30 fentanyl pills, and multiple cell phones.
A week later, McKinney, who had been staying at the residence, flew from Detroit to Bismarck and rented a car. Law enforcement tracked his phone location and arrested him at a Bismarck hotel, where he was found with several cell phones and $7,686 in cash. A subsequent search of his hotel room led to the seizure of another phone and $30,000 in cash.
While in Burleigh County Jail, McKinney allegedly texted Simpson, instructing him to “keep the operation going.” McKinney was later released on a $10,000 bond but was rearrested alongside Simpson days later.
Both men are facing four felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver meth and fentanyl, as well as conspiracy. A judge set Simpson’s bond at $25,000.
Their trial is scheduled for August.
