Two Men Arrested in Eagan Drug Trafficking Investigation, Over 20 Pounds of Meth Seized
EAGAN, MINNESOTA - According to court documents released by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, two men were arrested and charged in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Dakota County.
Defendants and Charges
Luis Pablo Lopez-Velazquez, 26, of Eagan, and Christian Alejandro Montero-Gutierrez, 33, also of Eagan, have both been charged with Controlled Substance Crime in the 1st Degree (Sale) under Minnesota Statute 152.021.1(1). The charges stem from an undercover drug operation that led to the recovery of over 20 pounds of methamphetamine. If convicted, each faces a potential sentence ranging from 65 months to 40 years in prison and fines between $300,000 and $1,000,000.
Undercover Operation and Arrest
According to court documents, the arrests resulted from a collaborative investigation by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Enforcement Team. The operation was initiated when a confidential informant (CI) arranged a $30,000 drug purchase with a known Mexican-based trafficker under law enforcement investigation.
The criminal complaint states that on March 3, 2025, the informant was directed to the 3500 block of Federal Drive in Eagan to complete the transaction. After being surveilled by law enforcement, the location was changed to a department store parking lot on the 1500 block of Central Park Commons. During the operation, officers observed a silver Suzuki, allegedly driven by Lopez-Velazquez, leave the original meeting location and drive toward the new location. A Hyundai Elantra, reportedly driven by Montero-Gutierrez, followed shortly after.
The criminal complain then states that upon arriving at the meeting spot, Montero-Gutierrez exited his vehicle, retrieved a suitcase from the trunk, and allegedly placed it inside the CI’s vehicle before receiving a bag of purported U.S. currency. Law enforcement then moved in and detained both suspects. A search of Montero-Gutierrez’s vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of the purported currency used in the transaction.
Search Warrants and Seized Evidence
Following the arrests, law enforcement obtained search warrants for both suspects' apartments on Federal Drive in Eagan. During the search of Lopez-Velazquez’s residence, investigators reportedly found a notebook containing suspected drug-related notes.
The suitcase seized from the CI’s vehicle contained approximately 9,126 grams (or 20.11 pounds) of methamphetamine packaged in plastic bags. The field test confirmed the presence of the Schedule II controlled substance.
Provided by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET), Eagan Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, DEA, and federal partners all assisted in this case.
Bail and Court Proceedings
Both Lopez-Velazquez and Montero-Gutierrez were ordered to be detained, with bail set at $200,000 without conditions or $100,000 with conditions, which include:
Prohibition from leaving Minnesota without court approval.
No possession or use of firearms, alcohol, or controlled substances.
Random chemical testing.
Requirement to remain law-abiding and make all court appearances.
The prosecution emphasized that the significant bail amounts were warranted given the quantity of methamphetamine seized and the public safety risks associated with high-level drug trafficking. Both defendants are awaiting their next court appearances as the investigation continues.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Lopez-Velazquez and Montero-Gutierrez, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Provided by Dakota County Jail. Pictured: Luis Pablo Lopez Velazquez (left) and Christian Alejandro Montero Gutierrez (right)
Written By: Will Wight
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