A massive federal drug case that stunned Minnesota last year is moving closer to sentencing after one of the accused men admitted his role in a record-breaking methamphetamine seizure.
Guillermo Mercado-Chaparro has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, months after authorities uncovered what officials described as one of the largest drug busts in state history.
Undercover Deal Led to Major Break
According to court documents, the investigation began when an undercover officer purchased a pound of meth from Mercado-Chaparro. That controlled buy opened the door to surveillance operations across south Minneapolis, where investigators observed him allegedly conducting multiple suspected drug transactions.
Days later, officers witnessed Mercado-Chaparro transferring two large bags from the bed of his truck into a nearby Jeep — a move that would soon unravel a much larger operation.
Traffic Stop Reveals Massive Haul
Authorities stopped the Jeep shortly after the transfer. Inside were Mercado-Chaparro and another man, Joel Casas-Santiago. A drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to narcotics in the vehicle.
A search of the Jeep uncovered more than 250 pounds of methamphetamine.
But that was only part of the story.
Police then secured a warrant to search Mercado-Chaparro’s truck. Inside the truck bed, officers seized an additional 630+ pounds of meth — bringing the total haul to nearly 900 pounds.
What Happens Next?
Mercado-Chaparro now awaits sentencing, with no official date scheduled yet.
Meanwhile, co-defendant Joel Casas-Santiago is set for a plea hearing on March 24.
The case highlights the scale of large-scale narcotics trafficking operations and the extensive investigative work that led to one of the most significant drug seizures in Minnesota’s history.
More developments are expected as the court proceedings continue.
