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An Albert Lea man is facing a charge of first-degree cannabis for allegedly unlawfully possessing more than 4,500 grams — or more than 10 pounds — of cannabis during a search of his home in April.

According to the court complaint, the search came after Goawech David Ruei, 24, was arrested April 18, 2024, by the South Central Drug Investigation Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Fugitive Task Force Team. Following his arrest, authorities executed a search warrant at his residence on St. John Avenue..

While searching for a firearm associated with his arrest, agents observed what was described as a “significant amount of marijuana” in nine large vacuum-sealed bags in a closet of the upper level of the house. There was also a money counter nearby and a safe with $24,000 in it.

Ruei’s girlfriend reportedly denied that the marijuana was hers and stated it belonged to Ruei and that she didn’t have anything that was upstairs.

She said she received no financial benefit from him and that she didn’t know whether he made money selling marijuana, though she reportedly admitted to sometimes seeing him conduct transactions involving marijuana.

The 10 heat-shrink bags containing marijuana reportedly weighed 4,586.2 grams. A Ziploc bag

containing 13.6 grams was also found, along with a scale, a money counter, a heat sealer unit and a baggie with a white powdery substance.

In court Thursday, Ruei was released on his promise to appear for his next court hearing and follow a series of conditions.

His next hearing is slated for Jan. 10.