Man Accused of Shipping Fentanyl-Filled Rental Car from California to Roseville MN
Published: March 25th, 2026 |
RAMSEY COUNTY MN: A man is facing a first-degree drug charge in Ramsey County after allegedly arranging to have a rental car containing kilograms of fentanyl transported from California to Minnesota, according to a criminal complaint.
Marel Chrishaun-Octavier Johnson, 40, is charged with first-degree drug possession — 25 grams or more or 100 dosage units or more of heroin or fentanyl.
According to the complaint, Johnson flew from the Twin Cities to Los Angeles on March 13, 2026, where he later rented a 2025 Nissan Altima from Los Angeles International Airport. The vehicle was scheduled to be returned to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport on March 24.
The complaint states Johnson returned to Minnesota on March 17, while the rented vehicle was transported separately.
On March 20, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a semitruck hauling the Altima during a vehicle inspection. According to the complaint, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two kilogram-sized packages of suspected drugs in the trunk, which tested positive for fentanyl.
Investigators learned the transport of the vehicle had been arranged in California, where a man identified as “Chris” agreed to pay $1,000 to have the car delivered to a Target store in Roseville, according to the complaint.
The complaint states a hauler who met “Chris” at a Los Angeles hotel took photos of him and the vehicle and passed that information along to another driver responsible for delivering the car to Minnesota.
On March 23, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery after replacing one of the fentanyl packages, according to the complaint.
The following day, March 24, the hauler arrived near the agreed-upon drop-off location in Roseville and contacted the individual using the provided phone number. Shortly afterward, Johnson allegedly arrived on foot, met with the hauler, and inspected the vehicle.
Authorities then arrested Johnson at the scene. According to the complaint, he was found with a business card from the Los Angeles hotel where the original transport arrangement was made.
The complaint states the hauler identified Johnson as the same individual involved in coordinating the shipment in California.
After being advised of his rights, Johnson initially agreed to speak with investigators but requested an attorney when confronted with allegations that he had rented the vehicle and arranged for it to be transported with drugs inside.
According to the complaint, Johnson also has an active warrant out of Ohio related to a marijuana possession indictment, as well as prior convictions in Minnesota for first- and third-degree assault and a federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Johnson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
