Man pleads guilty to role in drug bust where nearly 900 lbs of meth was recovered
Joel Casas-Santiago was arrested and charged last July after authorities seized nearly 900 pounds of meth from two vehicles in St. Paul.
Watch CBS News
Joel Casas-Santiago was arrested and charged last July after authorities seized nearly 900 pounds of meth from two vehicles in St. Paul.
Guillermo Mercado-Chaparro was arrested and charged last July after authorities seized nearly 900 pounds of meth from two vehicles in St. Paul.
A State Patrol K-9 and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assisted the trooper in recovering nine packages containing approximately 50,000 fentanyl pills.
A New Brighton, Minnesota, man has been federally charged with drug crimes after a package was intercepted by police at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport last month.
Another one of the nine people charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl after the largest fentanyl bust in Minnesota's history has been sentenced.
Two men have been federally indicted in what officials are calling "one of the largest" drug busts in Minnesota history.
A Minneapolis meth bust is being billed as one of the largest in Minnesota history.
A judge on Monday sentenced a man to a decade in prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation that led to the largest fentanyl bust in Minnesota history.
Court documents reveal 900 pounds of meth found in a storage locker in Burnsville, Minnesota, prompted a highly scrutinized federal raid on Lake Street in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Investigators revealed new details about the federal raids that sparked this clash near a Mexican restaurant in Minneapolis last week. In just-filed court documents, federal authorities say they searched multiple homes and businesses across half a dozen cities. WCCO's Adam Duxter shows us what they uncovered, and why they say it points to an international crime ring operating in Minnesota.
Court documents show a judge sentenced Quijuan Bankhead to 10 years in prison, five years supervised released and $100 special assessment.
A top official with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says agents could take a record amount of methamphetamine off of Minnesota streets this year if the current pace continues.
Federal agents say they could take a record amount of meth off Minnesota streets this year. Authorities seized more than 2,000 pounds of the deadly drug last year. As WCCO's Caroline Cummings reports, that only includes what the DEA is catching.
Authorities from Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties initiated a joint investigation into the trafficking ring, resulting in the seizure of over 30,000 grams of fentanyl pills.
Investigators say they've taken a significant amount of dangerous drugs off our streets. A big bust last week turned up fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine — all in one man's bedroom. WCCO's Jason Rantala is in the newsroom with the suspect's alleged ties to Mexican drug dealers.
Two Eagan men are facing charges after Ramsey County authorities seized 20 pounds of methamphetamine in a drug bust on Monday.
Robiel Williams pleaded guilty on Thursday to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl after authorities seized more than 280,000 fentanyl pills in early 2023.
A judge sentenced a 25-year-old man to 13 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation that led to the largest fentanyl bust in Minnesota history.
Prosecutors today charged a 45-year-old man with funneling dangerous drugs into Minnesota from Mexico.
A central Minnesota man is charged with drug possession after a task force allegedly found fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine while searching his St. Cloud home.
An investigation into the sale of dangerous fentanyl pills led to a search that uncovered 4,800 fentanyl pills in St. Cloud.
Law enforcement members targeting an individual in a recent drugs and weapons bust at a Minneapolis residence were surprised to find several others with arrest warrants on hand.
Authorities in central Minnesota work in conjunction with the MSP Airport Police to take multiple pounds of methamphetamine off the streets.
A drug and gang task force in central Minnesota says a 39-year-old man is in custody after a police pursuit last week.
Minneapolis Park Police on Thursday will discuss charges filed after the recovery of over 1,700 pills containing fentanyl. Watch an extended cut of a press conference discussing the incident.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
Connor Prielipp allowed two hits in a season-high seven innings and fellow rookie Walker Jenkins homered to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a METRO Green Line train Friday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to Metro Transit police.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care.
Breanna Stewart scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-81.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a METRO Green Line train Friday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to Metro Transit police.
Operation Metro Surge took a toll on schools, businesses, restaurants and medical care. Inspire Change Clinic in south Minneapolis responded by changing how it delivered care.
Joshua Newville is not affiliated with the case at all, but says he felt he needed to say something after finding images on Google Maps from a few years ago.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
The long journey from a marked common grave with other POWs in the Philippines to home soil in Minnesota came to an end for Pvt. Wallace Goodrich.
The DNR says the color shows up statewide, not just up north. Prairie parks out west, Mississippi River bluffs down south, and no overnight bag required.
Some families have reported that their kids have waited more than two hours to get on a bus, only to have the bus drive past them.
"We see over $82.5 million visitors throughout the state a year, and a large portion of that are coming through the fall," said Chris Morgan with Explore Minnesota.
Officials in Stearns County, Minnesota, are issuing an advisory about a wedding venue they say is operating despite a court order demanding its owner comply with safety regulations.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
An Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
A grieving Twin Cities mother took the stand on Friday in the trial of a man charged with the murder of his son, plus more of the day’s top stories.
An HR investigation into St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is complete, but the full report has not been released, and the police chief's attorney is demanding it be made public.
Americans are optimistic about scientific advances in AI, but concerned that AI may take jobs.
CBS News observed two MS NOW employees being turned away from the White House on Saturday morning.
Federal immigration officer Christian Castro is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Nearly half of Americans with medical debt owe at least $2,000, forcing them to make tough choices, new research shows.
The strike will include OBGYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital's Coon Rapids campus and Allina Unity's campus in Fridley.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Connor Prielipp allowed two hits in a season-high seven innings and fellow rookie Walker Jenkins homered to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Breanna Stewart scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-81.
Minnesota named a starter and a backup for Sunday but said nothing about the quarterback who opened the season. Murray began the week in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Mike Trout hit a tying RBI single in the 10th inning, and Wade Meckler followed with a winning RBI single to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.
Zach Brown's college football career has been bumpy at times. After losing the starting quarterback job at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, last year, he's back in the driver's seat this season.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
From making the paper for Crayola crayons to getting a visit from Mr. Rogers. John Lauritsen shares the history behind a Little Falls paper mill, and how its ruins have become its future, in this week's Finding Minnesota.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
If you're buying ground beef at the grocery store, there's a good chance that part of it came from a country outside the United States.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
Pesky drizzle and showers Saturday with some sun, and a little milder Sunday, says meteorologist Mace Michaels.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says it will continue to rain through tomorrow morning.
A lingering shower is possible early Saturday, with another chance late Sunday near I-90. Highs hold in the upper 60s to near 70 into early next week, WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports.
Southeastern Minnesota faces a flood watch through Saturday afternoon as heavy rain threatens to bring more than 4 inches to the Rochester area, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Celebrate all things Thai Saturday in St. Louis Park at the MinnesoThai Street Food Festival. Penny and Bobby Bank visit WCCO to discuss all the fun.
Get ready for some spooky scares at Valleyfair; get ready for lots of beer and a party you won't want to miss at Fulton Brewing; Flickr brings its multi-day Mode celebration to Minneapolis; and rubber ducks will race down Perro Creek at the Bayport Derby days!
A fall festival with live music and delicious drinks is brewing Saturday in the Twin Cities.
One of Minnesota's largest celebrations of Latino culture and community is happening Saturday with a new venue: CHS Field in Lowertown, St. Paul. Liliana Letran Garcia and Jessica Pleguezuelos of CLUES visit WCCO to discuss the event.
Saturday in Burnsville, Minnesota, a patriotic endurance challenge took place with a meaningful mission at its core.