In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Minnesota law enforcement officials have seized nearly 900 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, valued at approximately $1.7 million. This operation is being hailed as one of the largest methamphetamine busts in the state’s history. The seizure occurred following two traffic stops on Monday, leading to the arrest of two men, Joel Casas-Santiago, 46, and Guillermo Mercado Chaparro, 44, who are now facing serious charges related to drug trafficking.

The operation was part of a coordinated effort involving the FBI and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino highlighted the success of this operation in a post on X, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking rings. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration with DEA partners and assured that more actions are forthcoming to combat such illegal activities.

The investigation began when an undercover officer reportedly purchased methamphetamine from Chaparro. This led authorities to secure a court order to track his vehicle. On Monday, law enforcement observed Chaparro transferring two bags into a Jeep parked near his pickup truck. Casas-Santiago then entered the Jeep, and both men departed in separate vehicles. Subsequent searches of the Jeep revealed 251 pounds of suspected methamphetamine. A warrant for Chaparro’s pickup truck uncovered an additional 638 pounds of methamphetamine and a drug ledger.

Chaparro has allegedly admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking activities. Investigators suspect that both men are connected to a larger drug organization operating out of Mexico. Casas-Santiago faces one count of first-degree sale of meth within a 90-day period, while Chaparro is charged with two counts of the same offense.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests and seizure in a Facebook post, describing it as potentially one of Minnesota’s largest meth busts. This operation underscores the intensified focus by federal agencies on tackling violent crime and illegal immigration, as noted by Bongino. Over recent months, the FBI has reported a 22% increase in illicit drug seizures compared to the same period last year.