Minnesota sees one of its biggest meth seizures at 900 pounds

Two Men Arrested for Major Meth Seizure

Authorities have apprehended two individuals after approximately 900 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at nearly $1.7 million, were confiscated.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino highlighted the event in a post on X, stating, “About 900 pounds. More to come. Thanks to our partners at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for their coordination.”

The suspects, 46-year-old Joel Casas-Santiago and 44-year-old Guillermo Mercado Chaparro, are reportedly facing charges related to the crime, as reported by Fox 9 Minneapolis.

Last week, undercover officers allegedly bought meth from Chaparro, prompting authorities to secure court orders to monitor his pickup truck, according to Fox 9.

On Monday, police observed Chaparro placing two bags into a jeep parked near his pickup truck. Casas-Santiago then got into the jeep, after which both suspects drove away in another vehicle.

Later, law enforcement found the jeep and discovered 251 pounds of methamphetamine inside.

Meanwhile, a warrant for the pickup truck was executed. This led to the recovery of an additional 638 pounds of meth along with a drug ledger, as reported by Fox 9.

Chaparro reportedly confessed to being involved in drug trafficking, and authorities suspect both men are connected to larger drug operations based in Mexico.

Casas-Santiago is facing a single charge of first-degree meth sale within 90 days, while Chaparro is charged with two counts of meth sale within the same timeframe.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office noted on Facebook that both suspects were charged with controlled substance crimes.

Bongino also mentioned a recent statistic, reflecting that the FBI has been focusing on violent crime and illegal immigration.

In recent months, the FBI has reported a 22% increase in drug seizures compared to the same period last year, including over 97,000 pounds of cocaine, more than 7,000 pounds of meth, and over 2,500 pounds of fentanyl.