2 arrested in Moorhead drug bust; Airbnbs used to distribute meth, police say

MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) - Two out-of-state men were arrested Thursday after a months-long narcotics investigation revealed they were using short-term rental properties to distribute drugs in the Moorhead-Fargo area, police said.

Harold Bowen Jr., 49, of St. Cloud, Florida, and Malcolm Parker, 34, of Chicago, face felony charges of first-degree controlled substance crime and ineligible person in possession of a firearm. Both are being held at the Clay County Jail.

The Moorhead Police Department worked with the Cass County Drug Task Force, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to execute multiple search warrants this week.

Detectives say the suspects rented multiple Airbnb properties in Moorhead and Fargo to distribute narcotics.

Authorities seized approximately 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $12,500, $14,000 in cash, a 9mm handgun, 12 high-value bicycles and e-bikes, and a small amount of marijuana.

“This operation is a great example of collaboration with our local partners to keep our communities safe,” said Investigations Lt. Mike Detloff, Moorhead Police Department. “We also encourage short-term rental property owners to be proactive, use identity verification tools, communicate with guests before approving reservations, and report suspicious activity to local police.”

The investigation is ongoing.