Federal Indictment Charges 11 in Twin Cities Drug Trafficking, Kidnapping Tied to Mexican Cartel

A federal grand jury has indicted eleven individuals for their involvement in a drug trafficking and kidnapping conspiracy linked to a Mexican cartel in Minnesota. The group is accused of distributing methamphetamine throughout the Twin Cities, having received large shipments from Mexico since July 2023. The indictment details a horrifying incident where a debtor was beaten, chained, and held captive, with instructions from a cartel leader transmitted via messaging. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick highlighted the dangers posed by transnational drug cartels, affirming that such violence has no place in America. Among those charged are Richar Sanchez Mujica and Donovan Rey Lopez, with various counts related to drug trafficking and kidnapping. The case is part of a broader initiative to dismantle drug cartels and their operations in the U.S.