Three men face charges after investigators linked them to the delivery and storage of around 100 pounds of methamphetamine at a Saint Paul house last week.
The massive discovery brought to an end what authorities say was a lengthy investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the United States.
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Rosario Salas Fierro, 29; his brother, Jose Cesar Salas Fierro, 30; and Grayson Joseph Madrigal, 27, all face first-degree controlled substance charges for possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine while assisting and abetting one another. If convicted of the offense, they face a required minimum of 65 months in jail and a maximum of 40 years.
According to three distinct complaints, the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team investigated the group for almost 1.5 years, employing surveillance, confidential informants, and pole camera footage. A silver 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee registered to Rosario Salas Fierro was identified early in the investigation as a probable load vehicle when investigators noticed it frequently parked outside an address on the 200 block of Oxford Street North in Saint Paul.
Rosario had lived at the house with his brother before moving to West St. Paul, but he still returned to pick him up on weekdays. Investigators reportedly observed him driving a black 2011 Infiniti EX35. A confidential informant acquainted with the scheme informed detectives that a huge shipment was delivered to the Oxford home in February 2025, with another delivery scheduled in early December involving the same persons.
Pole camera video from December 4 at 9:35 p.m. captured the Infiniti pulling into the alley behind the Oxford residence. Madrigal followed behind it in a silver 2001 Volvo S80. Rosario was caught on video bringing a large piece of luggage from the Volvo trunk into the backyard, while Madrigal was carrying a medium duffel bag. At 9:36 p.m., the Jeep came. At 9:38 p.m., all three males emerged from the backyard and walked to their automobiles. The Infiniti and Volvo went, while the Jeep remained behind the house.
Investigators secured a search warrant for the house and three vehicles. Officers forced entrance on December 5, around 1:55 p.m., after no one answered the door. They discovered the enormous luggage and duffel bag outside the bedroom, which were identified as belonging to Jose Cesar Salas Fierro. Inside were 100 one-pound packages of methamphetamine, which had been field tested positive.
Investigators saw the Infiniti at a Minneapolis job site at 4:30 p.m. and tracked it until it came to a stop about three blocks from the Oxford address. Officers pulled it over, identifying Rosario as the driver and Jose Cesar as the passenger.
In a post-Miranda questioning, Rosario admitted to picking up, transporting, and storing the cocaine. He told detectives he anticipated being paid $3,000 and that he had previously completed comparable tasks. He stated that a contact in Mexico sent him to a truck stop in Inver Grove Heights, where he picked up the consignment, and that he accompanied his brother and Madrigal. Rosario stated that he carried the huge luggage into the Oxford home, while Madrigal carried the duffel bag. He said his brother had no idea what the bags contained at first but recognized it when they got home. He further stated that both his brother and Madrigal were meant to be compensated.
Jose Cesar originally denied involvement and said he did not leave the house on the night of December 4, but when presented with security footage, he stated that the bags did not belong to him. When an investigator emphasized that storing drugs was still unlawful, he said, “Okay.”
Madrigal was arrested on Monday, December 8, at 7:30 a.m. outside his Maplewood apartment when investigators noticed him getting into the identical Volvo that was filmed during the drop-off. He declined to speak with investigators, according to court filings.
All three individuals are still charged with first-degree possession and aiding and abetting. Each risks a minimum of 65 months in jail and a maximum of 40 years if convicted. Authorities have yet to reveal additional information about the larger investigation or any anticipated charges.
