St. Paul Man Charged After Authorities Seize Estimated 10 Pounds of Methamphetamine; Complaint States Prior Illegal Entry into U.S.
Published: July 27th, 2026.
SAINT PAUL MN: A St. Paul man is facing a first-degree controlled substance charge after authorities allegedly seized an estimated 10 pounds of methamphetamine during a controlled delivery operation, according to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County. The complaint also states that the defendant previously entered the United States illegally.
According to the criminal complaint, Sergio Magana-Gonzalez, 54, of St. Paul, has been charged with one count of first-degree possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine.
According to the complaint, Airport Police officers intercepted a UPS package on July 24 containing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine after it was shipped from Modesto, California, to a St. Paul residence. Investigators reportedly determined that no one living at the address matched the name listed on the package.
After obtaining a search warrant, authorities removed most of the suspected methamphetamine, leaving approximately 111.8 grams inside the package along with a lookalike substance and a GPS-equipped tracking device before arranging a controlled delivery to the residence.
According to the complaint, investigators conducting surveillance observed Magana-Gonzalez retrieve the package from the front step and carry it inside the home. Officers later arrested him after he left the residence and attempted to board a bus.
Authorities executed a search warrant at the residence and allegedly found the controlled delivery package inside Magana-Gonzalez's bedroom. Investigators also discovered a second package that had reportedly been delivered by FedEx and was addressed to the same recipient listed on the UPS shipment. According to the complaint, that package contained an additional five pounds of methamphetamine packaged similarly to the first shipment.
Investigators also reported finding approximately three additional ounce-sized bags of suspected methamphetamine, along with cash and financial documents inside the bedroom.
According to the complaint, officers recovered two cell phones, approximately $2,396 in cash, wire transfer receipts, and documents during Magana-Gonzalez's arrest. Investigators also reported finding what appeared to be a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card.
During a post-Miranda interview, the complaint alleges Magana-Gonzalez identified his bedroom, provided passcodes to his phones, and investigators reviewed Facebook messages they say demonstrated his knowledge of the shipments. The complaint alleges the messages included discussions about sending money and photographs of shipping receipts matching the intercepted packages. The complaint also states Magana-Gonzalez reportedly remarked that the packages were not addressed in his name.
The suspected narcotics have been submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for laboratory testing and final weight determination. Investigators estimate that approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine were seized.
According to the criminal complaint, Magana-Gonzalez appears to have no criminal history except for an illegal entry into the United States. The complaint also alleges that National Guard Counter Drug analysts identified other individuals living at the residence who had also entered the United States illegally.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations. Magana-Gonzalez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.