MCCALLSBURG, IOWA – A meth dealer and possible cohorts were nestled snug in their lair two counties south of Cerro Gordo after 3 AM in the morning only to be dealt a rude awakening as local law enforcement and others made entry and shut their enterprise down.
On September 20, 2025, at about 3:03 AM, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office conducted a narcotics trafficking investigation, including a search warrant at 33939 County Highway S 27 in rural McCallsburg, Iowa. This was based on an ongoing methamphetamine distribution investigation. The Iowa State Patrol Tactical Team (Area C) conducted the search warrant entry, the sheriff’s office says.
During the home invasion, several subjects were located at the residence, and approximately 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine and firearms were located and seized.
Virgil Lee Kriens, Age 50 of McCallsburg was arrested and charged by the Hardin County Sheriffs Department with the following crimes:
-124.401-1-b Possession of Meth with Intent to deliver to wit did have possession of more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver. A class B Felony,
-724.26-1 Possession, receipt, transportation, or dominion and control of firearms, offensive weapons, and ammunition by felons and others to wit had possession of a Handgun as a felon.
-724.26-1 Possession, receipt, transportation, or dominion and control of firearms, offensive weapons, and ammunition by felons and others to wit had possession of a 20 Gauge Shotgun as a felon.
-453B.12- Failure to affix Drug Tax stamp to more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine a class D felony.
Further charges are possible relating to this investigation.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Hardin County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Division Of Narcotics Enforcement and the Mid Iowa Drug Task Force out of Marshalltown.