ST. PAUL, Minn. – Joel Casas-Santiago and Guillermo Mercado-Chaparro have been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. Mercado-Chaparro faces an additional charge of illegal reentry.
Court documents reveal that Mercado-Chaparro sold a pound of methamphetamine to an undercover officer while driving a Toyota Tacoma truck. Surveillance indicated he was conducting suspected drug deals across south Minneapolis.
Days later, police observed Mercado-Chaparro transferring large garbage bags from the Tacoma into a Jeep Wrangler, which was subsequently stopped by law enforcement. A drug-sniffing dog detected drugs in the vehicle, leading officers to discover over 250 pounds of methamphetamine inside garbage bags and a cooler.
Casas-Santiago and Mercado-Chaparro were arrested at the scene, and further investigation led police to search the Tacoma truck where they found an additional 630 pounds of methamphetamine.
In total, nearly 900 pounds of methamphetamine were seized with intent for distribution. “This isn’t just another drug bust—it’s one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in Minnesota history,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “A 900-pound haul like this doesn’t just show intent to distribute. It shows intent to poison entire communities.”
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, investigated by various agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allen Slaughter and Campbell Warner are handling prosecution efforts.
