Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A federal grand jury has indicted 11 individuals in a sweeping international drug trafficking and kidnapping conspiracy linked to a Mexican cartel, bringing violent cartel tactics directly into the Twin Cities metro.
According to court documents, the organization allegedly operated from mid-2023 through early 2025, coordinating the importation and distribution of methamphetamine from Mexico into Minnesota. The drugs were smuggled via vehicles and mail, then broken down and sold throughout the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.
Federal prosecutors say the group functioned under the direction of a transnational drug trafficking organization with direct ties to a Mexican cartel.
Cartel Violence in Saint Paul
One incident in January 2025 drew particular concern. Prosecutors say a person who owed cartel members money was lured to a Saint Paul location under false pretenses. Once there, the victim was:
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Kidnapped
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Beaten
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Chained to a pole
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Held against their will
Court documents reveal one conspirator received chilling instructions via messaging app during the assault:
“Break [the victim’s] hands. Break them good.”
Those Indicted:
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Richar Sanchez Mujica, 30 – Conspiracy to distribute meth, conspiracy to kidnap, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
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Donovan Rey Lopez, 21, Minneapolis – Meth conspiracy, firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking
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Erling Soren Holdahl, 48 – Meth conspiracy, kidnapping conspiracy
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Dostin Elizander Ortiz-Garcia, 29, Burnsville – Meth conspiracy
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Jonathan Salvador Juarez-Ferrer, 25, Minneapolis – Meth conspiracy
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Timothy Duane Ripley, 45 – Meth conspiracy, kidnapping conspiracy
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Kendra Sue Johnson, 39 – Meth conspiracy, kidnapping conspiracy
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Four additional unnamed co-conspirators – Indicted, pending court appearances
Federal Response
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick stated:
“This case highlights the inherent danger that transnational drug cartels bring to our country. This mob-style violence has no place in America, it has no place in Minnesota, and those who engage in it will be charged federally.”
Did you know?
Meth trafficking across U.S.-Mexico borders continues to rise, with Minneapolis–Saint Paul identified as a regional hub by DEA reports.
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine carries up to life in federal prison depending on quantity and firearm involvement.
Federal prosecutors often stack charges (e.g., firearms + kidnapping + trafficking) to ensure mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years or more.
All defendants will face federal court proceedings in Minnesota. Additional arrests and charges may follow as the investigation expands.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.