MINNEAPOLIS — Authorities have made what they believe is largest drug bust in Minnesota history —900 pounds of meth worth $1.3 million to $1.8 million on the street. Two men have been arrested:

> Guillermo Mercado Chaparro, age 44.

> Joel Casas-Santiago, 46.

The men are connected with a larger drug organization operating out of Mexico, according to a criminal complaint. The arrests were Tuesday. Here, according to court documents, is how it all came down:

> July 2: An undercover police officer purchased a pound of meth from Chaparro. Authorities then secured a court order to track his pickup truck.

> July 7: Officers observed Chaparro place two large bags into a Jeep parked near his pickup truck. He and Casas-Santiago drove off in separate vehicles.

> Officers located the Jeep near 31st Street and Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis. They searched the Jeep and found 251 pounds of meth.

> July 8: With a search warrant for the pickup truck, officers found another 638 pounds of meth, along with a roster of what looked to be dealers.

> July 9: Casas-Santiago and Chaparro were arraigned for first-degree sale of meth. The statutory minimum prison term for conviction: 6-1/2 years.

Hennepin County prosector Mary Moriarty said neither suspect has ties to the Twin Cities. Both, she said, are “associated with larger drug organizations in Mexico.” Law enforcement agencies in the investigation: Minneapolis police, St. Paul police, Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Earlier: If true: Major, major Minnesota meth bust

Under the tarp. This is what 638 pounds of meth looks like. Police seized the plastic-wrapped drugs in one of two related raids that together netted 900 pounds packed for dealers to break down for street sale. Investigators say the drugs were smuggled from Mexico. Image: Minneapolis police

Chaparro. Both held in Hennpin County jail.

Casas-Santiago. Each faces minimum 6-1/2 years prison if convicted.

Verbatim

Moriarty: “These drugs were on our streets in huge quantities and nearly made it into the hands of our neighbors who struggle with drug use The damage 900 pounds of methamphetamine could have caused is devastating, all while funding drug sale organizations that prey on our community. We will work to hold these two individuals accountable to protect our community.”