DES MOINES, Iowa — An overnight traffic stop in downtown Des Moines led to a police chase ending in felony charges and a massive drug seizure.
Quawi Gates, 43, faces multiple felony charges, including a controlled substance violation that has greatly increased DMPD’s seizure of cocaine in 2026.
Police say that just after 11:00 p.m. Monday, they stopped a BMW sedan after law enforcement said they noticed a speeding vehicle had expired license plates. The criminal complaint reports that officers saw what they believed to be marijuana in plain view. Police say the man tried to destroy the evidence and fled from law enforcement.
The criminal complaint says that after a police chase, Gates crashed at MLK Jr Parkway and Fleur Drive, then fled on foot into a wooded area. Police began a K-9 track to find Gates, and he was eventually apprehended and taken into custody.
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Law enforcement says they recovered more than two pounds of cocaine at the scene. DMPD says they’ve seized significantly more cocaine this year compared to previous years. As of Aug. 4, DMPD says they’ve seized 6.5 lbs. of cocaine in 2026, which is higher than the previous two years combined…