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Press Release

Four Defendants Federally Charged In The State's Largest Methamphetamine Seizure

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota
The Cannon River Drug Task Force seized nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine from a home in Minneapolis

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging FERNANDO RAMOS-MEZA, 33, PETER MARTIN, 34, JAVIER LOPEZ-LOPEZ, 46, AND JUAN DANIEL VALDEZ-MENDOZA, 23, with multiple drug-trafficking violations. MARTIN is also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm. All four defendants were previously charged via federal complaint on October 5, 2018.  The defendants remain in custody.

According to charging documents filed with the court, as a result of law enforcement operations initiated by the Cannon River Drug Task Force, officers executed a search warrant at a North Minneapolis home. During the search of the residence, officers located several items of contraband, a 12-gauge sawed-off pump shotgun, and approximately 191 pounds of methamphetamine (with packaging).

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Cannon River Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Minneapolis Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.  

 

Defendant Information:

FERNANDO RAMOS-MEZA, 33

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

  • Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
  • Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
     

PETER MARTIN, 34

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

  • Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
  • Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
  • Possession of an unregistered firearm, 1 count

 

JAVIER LOPEZ-LOPEZ, 46

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

  • Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
  • Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

 

JUAN DANIEL VALDEZ-MENDOZA, 23

Kansas City, Kan.

Charges:

  • Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
  • Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

 

 

 

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

 

 

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated November 8, 2018
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses
Component
USAO - Minnesota