Five alleged members of a drug trafficking organization affiliated with the Sureños gang have been charged with federal narcotics offenses, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota announced Tuesday.
The defendants are accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl as part of a long-running enterprise led by Erick Emilio Diaz-Aguilar, 32, a Mexican national residing in New Prague. Diaz-Aguilar is identified as the organizer of the “Diaz-Aguilar DTO,” a drug trafficking organization that has been operating in Minnesota since at least 2024.
The multi-month investigation resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl tied to the operation. Authorities believe the group is supplied by one or more transnational criminal organizations smuggling narcotics from Mexico.
Diaz-Aguilar faces several charges, including one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distribution, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Other individuals charged include:
Juan Martin Elvira Jr., 36, of Rochester, charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute both methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Edward Gonzalez, 29, of Hastings, facing conspiracy, two counts of distribution, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Eric Anthony Rodriguez, 46, of St. Paul, charged with conspiracy, four counts of distribution, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick warned that dangerous criminal organizations like the Sureños gang and other drug cartels are fueling the national drug crisis. “Cartel-backed drug dealers are on notice. Do not bring your poison to Minnesota. If you do, you will see federal charges and federal prison time,” she said.
One other member of the conspiracy remains at large and is pending arrest.
