Big Lake Man Has Been Charged in Large-Scale Fentanyl Trafficking Case
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA - A Twin Cities man is facing a first-degree felony controlled substance charge after investigators say he sold more than 100 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer during a series of controlled buys this summer.
According to a probable cause statement filed in Dakota County District Court, Jorge Antonio Hernandez Lopez was identified as a suspected drug dealer during an investigation by the Dakota County Drug Task Force (DCDTF). Between late June and late July 2025, agents coordinated three separate controlled purchases with Hernandez Lopez.
Controlled Buys
June 23, 2025 (Minneapolis): An undercover officer met Hernandez Lopez near 54th Street and Hampshire Drive. Investigators say the suspect entered the officer’s vehicle and sold eight packages, some of which field-tested positive for fentanyl. The total weight was about 27.49 grams.
July 2, 2025 (Inver Grove Heights): Investigators say the suspect sold another eight packages on Cahill Road, all testing positive for fentanyl. The total weight was 27.53 grams.
July 28, 2025 (West St. Paul): The third controlled purchase took place on Stryker Avenue. Hernandez Lopez allegedly sold three packages containing approximately 56.61 grams of fentanyl.
In total, investigators say Hernandez Lopez sold about 111.63 grams of fentanyl across the three transactions.
Charges Filed
On August 13, 2025, the Dakota County Attorney’s Office filed the following charge against Hernandez Lopez:
Count 1: Felony Controlled Substance Crime in the 1st Degree (Sale) (Heroin or Fentanyl), involving more than 100 grams.
Because the sales exceeded 100 grams, Hernandez Lopez faces a mandatory prison commitment of at least 65 months under Minnesota sentencing guidelines.
Bail & Conditions
Dakota County District Court set bail at $300,000 without conditions or $250,000 with strict conditions, which include:
Booking required
No travel outside Minnesota without court approval
No firearms, ammunition, explosives, or dangerous weapons
No use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances
Random chemical testing
Remain law-abiding and attend all court appearances
Search Warrants Reveal Wider Drug Activity
Court filings show that the investigation extended well beyond Dakota County. Following the controlled buys, law enforcement obtained and executed search warrants at two separate locations tied to Hernandez Lopez:
Apartment in Big Lake (Sherburne County): Investigators searched Hernandez Lopez’s residence, where they reportedly discovered additional quantities of controlled substances. While the exact weight and type of drugs were not fully detailed in the bail request, prosecutors noted that the findings supported allegations of ongoing trafficking activity.
Storage Locker in Minnetonka (Hennepin County): A second search warrant was executed at a storage unit associated with Hernandez Lopez. Inside, agents also located drugs, further linking him to narcotics distribution operations outside Dakota County.
Prosecutors highlighted these discoveries as evidence that Hernandez Lopez’s alleged drug trafficking extended across multiple counties, increasing both the scope and seriousness of the case. In their bail request, the state emphasized that fentanyl, even in tiny amounts, presents a lethal risk to the community, and that the combination of large quantities and multi-county activity underscored the need for “significant bail.”
This information comes from a probable cause statement and court documents filed in Dakota County District Court. These are merely allegations, not proof of guilt. Hernandez Lopez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Written by: Limitless Media
