Fifth Defendant Convicted in Statewide Meth Trafficking Conspiracy Tied to Sinaloa Cartel
Published: February 17, 2026
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA: A St. Paul man has been convicted in federal court for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that prosecutors say operated across Minnesota and was linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eric Anthony Rodriguez, 47, of St. Paul, was found guilty following a six-day jury trial before Judge Susan R. Nelson in U.S. District Court. Rodriguez was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Rodriguez is the fifth defendant convicted in connection with the drug trafficking organization (DTO), which federal authorities say was led by Erick Emilio Diaz-Aguilar.
Large-Scale Distribution Across Minnesota
Court documents show that Rodriguez conspired with co-defendants to acquire and distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine throughout the state. The organization, referred to as the “Diaz-Aguilar Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO),” allegedly operated from April 2024 through March 2025.
Federal prosecutors say the DTO orchestrated large shipments of methamphetamine from outside Minnesota, sometimes transporting hundreds of pounds at a time. The drugs were then distributed across northern, southern, and central Minnesota.
During the nearly year-long investigation, law enforcement agencies seized:
Approximately 60 pounds of methamphetamine
1,500 fentanyl pills
More than $20,000 in U.S. currency
Authorities also executed search warrants at stash houses located in Columbia Heights, Hastings, and Rochester.
In November 2025, officers conducted a coordinated traffic stop and seized approximately three pounds of methamphetamine directly from Rodriguez. Evidence presented at trial showed Rodriguez had received dozens of additional pounds of methamphetamine for distribution during the conspiracy.
Ties to Transnational Criminal Organizations
Prosecutors stated that the Diaz-Aguilar DTO was affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel, a transnational criminal organization (TCO) based in Mexico. Earlier court filings and a federal indictment also described the organization as being affiliated with the Sureños.
On April 8, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment charging five members of the DTO. At that time, authorities said the organization was associated with one or more transnational criminal organizations trafficking narcotics from Mexico into Minnesota.
In announcing the original charges, then-Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick stated that cartel-backed drug dealers would face federal prosecution and prison time if they operated in Minnesota.
Co-Defendants Previously Pleaded Guilty
The following co-defendants previously pleaded guilty in the case:
Erick Emilio Diaz-Aguilar, 33, was identified as the leader of the DTO
Juan Martin Elvira, Jr., 36
Edward Gonzalez, 30
Bruce Michael Orton, 44
At the time of the indictment, Diaz-Aguilar, described as a Mexican national residing in New Prague, faced multiple counts related to conspiracy, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One additional member of the conspiracy was previously reported to be at large and pending arrest.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The case was the result of a coordinated investigation involving numerous local, state, and federal agencies, including:
Chisago County Sheriff’s Office
East Central Minnesota Drug Task Force
Hastings Police Department
Rochester Police Department
Cannon River Drug Task Force
New Prague Police Department
Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office
Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Minnesota State Patrol
Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raphael B. Coburn and William C. Mattessich prosecuted the case.
Written by: Will Wight
Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash
