Narcotics Investigation Leads to Arrest and Significant Drug Seizure in South Moorhead

The Moorhead Police Department has arrested 43‑year‑old James Schaan following a narcotics investigation that began in June when a concerned resident submitted an online tip regarding suspected drug activity occurring in south Moorhead.

After reviewing the information provided in the tip, the MPD’s Narcotics Unit initiated an investigation that identified Schaan as a suspect and established probable cause for a search warrant. During the morning hours of July 6, 2026, investigators executed the warrant at a South Moorhead residence in the 1900 block of 18 Ave S that was associated with the suspect.

During the search, officers recovered the following items:

• • 115 grams of suspected methamphetamine
  • 37 grams of suspected powder fentanyl
  • 10 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms
  • Stolen 9mm semi‑automatic handgun
  • Bullet‑resistant vest
  • $7,156 in U.S. currency

The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of more than $7,500.

Schaan was arrested and transported to the Clay County Jail, where he is being held on the following charges:

• • Felony Aggravated 1st Degree Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
  • Felony 1st Degree Controlled Substance – Fentanyl
  • Felony 3rd Degree Controlled Substance – Psilocybin Mushrooms
  • Felony Ineligible Person in Possession of a Firearm
  • Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm
  • Felony Commission of a Crime While Possessing a Bullet‑Resistant Vest

“Tips from community members can be extremely helpful in cases like this. When residents bring concerns to our attention, it allows our detectives to act quickly and effectively, as they did here,” Investigations Lieutenant Mike Detloff said. “This partnership between the community and law enforcement is essential to keeping Moorhead safe. We encourage anyone who notices something concerning to reach out — even small pieces of information can prevent a situation from becoming something more serious.”

Residents can submit anonymous tips through Tip411 by texting MOORHEAD and the information to 847411, or by using the Tip411 mobile app at any time.

The Moorhead Police Department extends its appreciation to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance during the execution of the search warrant.