900lbs of Meth: Casas-Santiago & Mercado-Chaparro Face Federal Charges

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly 900 pounds of methamphetamine – enough to devastate countless lives – were seized in Minnesota, leading to federal charges against two men, Joel Casas-Santiago, 46, and Guillermo Mercado-Chaparro, 44. The duo now face the consequences for their alleged attempt to flood the streets with a lethal substance, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

The bust began when an undercover officer purchased one pound of methamphetamine from Mercado-Chaparro, who was operating out of a Toyota Tacoma. Surveillance quickly revealed a pattern: Mercado-Chaparro repeatedly traversing south Minneapolis, seemingly making drug deals on every corner. This wasn’t a small-time operation; it was a full-blown distribution network in the making.

Days later, officers observed Mercado-Chaparro transferring two large garbage bags from the Tacoma to a Jeep Wrangler. A traffic stop ensued, and a canine unit immediately alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the Jeep revealed a shocking haul: over 250 pounds of methamphetamine hidden within the bags and a cooler. Both Casas-Santiago and Mercado-Chaparro were taken into custody.

The investigation didn’t stop there. A search warrant was executed on the Toyota Tacoma, uncovering a staggering 630-plus pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the truck bed. Combined, the seizures totaled nearly 900 pounds – a massive quantity of the highly addictive drug. Casas-Santiago and Mercado-Chaparro are both charged with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Mercado-Chaparro faces an additional charge of Illegal Reentry by a Removed Alien.

“This isn’t just another drug bust—it’s one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in Minnesota history,” stated Acting United States Attorney Thompson. “A 900-pound haul like this doesn’t just show intent to distribute. It shows intent to poison entire communities. We will not let Minnesota become a distribution hub for cartel-scale operations. This prosecution is just the beginning.”

This case is a product of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security, established under Executive Order 14159. The operation aims to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and stem the flow of illegal immigration. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Ramsey County Crime Enforcement Team, St. Paul Police Department, Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force, and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allen Slaughter and Campbell Warner are prosecuting the case.