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.
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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.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
With screams and giggles, Minnesota fairgoers are taking delight in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100 years old.
Tyrese Spicer scored three minutes into second-half stoppage time and Orlando City salvaged a 3-3 draw with Minnesota United after blowing a two-goal lead.
The Minnesota Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement, a lingering injury that has affected the All-Star for much of the season.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
With screams and giggles, Minnesota fairgoers are taking delight in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100 years old.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
A 3-year-old in St. Paul, Minnesota, has a fighting chance to survive thanks to her mother's heroics in a devastating house fire.
A man is dead and another is in custody after a shooting in St. Paul, Minnesota, late Saturday morning.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
Jena Hanson, a 20-year-old from Owatonna, will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for the Minnesota dairy industry and families for the next year.
A Minnesota college professor has been sentenced to three years' probation for stealing gun parts and ammunition from a Twin Cities store, according to court records.
Minnesota is facing its worst drought conditions in five years, experts say. About 88% of the state is either experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.
Minnesota's Iron Range has a history of iron ore mining dating back to the 1880s. But renewed conversations about copper-nickel mining in the area are fueling debate up north and beyond. Neighbors in the Ely area are navigating the divisive issue while staying largely united.
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.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office says Jack Pugh died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
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.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
DFL nominee for Minnesota governor Amy Klobuchar talks about the race with WCCO's Esme Murphy live at the State Fair.
Minnesota's highest court on Saturday denied Mike Lindell's request for a recount in the Aug. 11 Republican primary for governor after the MyPillow founder said he would personally pay for a hand recount and audit of every paper ballot cast in the race.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ended Mike Lindell's fight for the governor's office.
Minnesota GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen has pleaded guilty to DWI in connection with a March traffic incident that led to his arrest, according to court records filed on Thursday.
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
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.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. will waive higher tariffs on ground beef imports, which he says will reduce beef prices by 25%. Some cattle ranchers, including those in Minnesota and Wisconsin, worry the plan will hurt them financially.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
Minnesota GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen has pleaded guilty to DWI in connection with a March traffic incident that led to his arrest, according to court records filed on Thursday.
Police say the statue of Olympic champion and Minnesota native Suni Lee has been recovered more than a year after it was stolen.
A teenager and two children were detained early Tuesday morning in connection to vehicle break-ins in south Minneapolis, according to police.
Minnesota officials say Christian Castro, charged in a January Minneapolis shooting, could cross into Mexico now that Texas has released him without honoring the state's extradition request.
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
Minnesota joined 23 states in suing the Trump administration Thursday, trying to stop new rules that could cut off federal funding for birth control clinics and other family planning services.
Minnesota will receive between $214 million to $307 million after tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, settled a landmark social media addiction lawsuit Wednesday.
While our summer has been dry, many can't say the same for their nose or eyes. Ragweed allergies are picking up steam.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
The vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
The legendary Minneapolis duo looks back on the Fair, a friendship that began as teenagers, the origin of "Jimmy Jam," and the challenge of turning more than 500 recordings into one homecoming show.
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
Tyrese Spicer scored three minutes into second-half stoppage time and Orlando City salvaged a 3-3 draw with Minnesota United after blowing a two-goal lead.
The Minnesota Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement, a lingering injury that has affected the All-Star for much of the season.
Andrew Benintendi had all three of his team's hits with his sixth-inning home run being the difference as the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2.
Sam Ehlinger shined with a three-touchdown performance in the Denver Broncos' 34-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.
Colson Montgomery hit his 28th homer and Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs to help the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Friday night.
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.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
The candidates for the Minnesota general election are all set, and the campaigns are shifting into a higher gear.
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.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Thousands of pictures of Split Rock Lighthouse are taken each year. And oftentimes a little island appears in those photos. Ellingsen Island has developed a following of its own.
There's a buzz at the fairgrounds as vendors, exhibitors and 4-H families get ready to welcome millions of people across a very specific stretch of time. Why is the Minnesota State Fair 12 days? Good Question.
While our summer has been dry, many can't say the same for their nose or eyes. Ragweed allergies are picking up steam.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
There's a certain elegance to the common loon. Its black and white plumage carries a gentle sheen of green as though dressed for a formal affair. Subtle colors that allow its piercing red eyes to steal your gaze.
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.
Outside of a stray storm Sunday morning, the heat and humidity are the main story to end the weekend.
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 Adam Del Rosso has the latest forecast.
The humidity returns, with temps in the 80s and it'll linger into Sunday. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows has more.
The weekend is starting off with some showers and storms in the Twin Cities.
The festival is free and family-friendly, with authentic Egyptian food, cultural activities, church tours, kids’ activities, shopping, and more.
A unique golf tournament in the Twin Cities is going to be celebrating five years next month. The Beyond Season Golf Tournament aims to celebrate diversity. Money raised will help support programs that allow more people to access the game.
DFL nominee for Minnesota governor Amy Klobuchar talks about the race with WCCO's Esme Murphy live at the State Fair.
A 3-year-old survived a house fire thanks to her mother's heroics. That's according to her grieving family, who says the child is hospitalized in critical condition. They tell our Conor Wight that Bonnie Pierce died after running back into a fire for her child in St. Paul.
Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it's the state of the world and mental health. The reason isn't clear but the numbers show more people want to laugh. Live comedy has more than doubled in revenue over the past decade, according trade magazine Pollstar. North American live comedy ticket sales grew from approximately $371 million in 2012 to about $910 million in 2023. That's roughly 145% growth in 11 years. Whether it's Seinfield, Kevin Hart, Nate Bargaetze or the dozens of touring comics, you'll find they often share a love of Minneapolis.