2 Face Felony Charges After Massive Dakota County Meth Bust
The suitcase Montero-Gutierrez is accused of transferring to an informant. Via Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
Montero-Gutierrez, left, and Lopez-Velazquez
Two men face charges in Dakota County after an undercover investigation led to the seizure of over 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
Authorities identified the suspects as 32-year-old Christian Alejandro Montero-Gutierrez and 26-year-old Luis Pablo Lopez-Velazquez, both of Eagan.
According to court records, law enforcement conducted a controlled drug buy on March 3, 2025, using a confidential informant. The informant, working under the direction of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Enforcement Team, arranged to purchase $30,000 worth of methamphetamine from a trafficker under investigation.
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The original meeting location was set near an apartment complex on Federal Drive in Eagan, but was later moved to a department store parking lot in Central Park Commons.
Surveillance teams observed Montero-Gutierrez and Lopez-Velazquez coordinating the drug exchange. Montero-Gutierrez arrived in a Hyundai Elantra, removed a suitcase from the trunk and placed it inside the informant’s vehicle. Lopez-Velazquez—who was in a separate vehicle—was seen interacting with Montero-Gutierrez before both men left the scene.
Investigators quickly stopped both vehicles and recovered a bag of cash from the Elantra. A subsequent search of the suitcase confirmed it contained 20.11 pounds of methamphetamine, the court documents said. Further investigation revealed both men had rented separate apartments in the same residential complex and asearch of Lopez-Velazquez’s apartment uncovered a notebook with suspected drug transaction records.
Both suspects were charged with first-degree controlled substance crimes, which carry a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison and fines reaching $1 million. Court records indicate that Montero-Gutierrez claimed he was unaware the suitcase contained drugs, stating he was simply following Lopez-Velazquez’s instructions.
Montero-Gutierrez and Lopez-Velazquez remain in custody as of publication.
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