Sheriff's Office • 100 North Fifth Avenue West • Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 726-2340 • www.stlouiscountymn.gov
Gordon Ramsay
Sheriff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/16/2023
Release Issued by: Sgt. Warren Johnson, LSVOTF
Eveleth Drug Bust
50-year-old JUAN PEDRO ALAPISCO-OCHOA, of Mexico, and 52-year-old RACHEL MICHELLE LOFGREN of Eveleth, MN were charged with multiple controlled substance crimes during an arraignment hearing at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Virginia on Monday, March 13th, 2023.
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office charged ALAPISCO-OCHOA with 1st degree sales of methamphetamine and 2nd degree sales of fentanyl.
LOFGREN was charged with conspiracy to 1st and 2nd degree sales of a controlled substance.
The charges came following an investigation conducted by the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (LSVOTF). The investigation uncovered evidence indicating both suspects were involved in the sale and distribution of controlled substances from their Eveleth, MN residence, located on the 600 block of Douglas Ave.
On 03/09/2023, search warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of approximately 1 pound of suspected methamphetamine, and 170 suspected “M30” fentanyl pills. Digital scales and other evidence indicating illicit drug distribution was also seized from the residence.
During the investigation it was discovered that LOFGREN and ALAPISCO-OCHOA were receiving large quantities of methamphetamine in the mail from the Southern United States.
Law enforcement officers nationwide are dealing with millions of fraudulent “M30” pills that are currently being pressed in Mexico and then smuggled into the United States. These counterfeit pills are often blue in color and stamped with “M30” markings consistent with oxycodone, however, subsequent analysis reveals that the pills actually contain fentanyl; an extremely dangerous synthetic drug that is fatal in very small doses.
Both ALAPISCI-OCHOA and LOFGREN were arrested without incident following the investigation. At the time of his arrest, ALAPISCO-OCHOA provided a false name and identification information to investigators and jail staff. Fingerprint analysis then revealed that ALAPISCO-OCHOA was currently in the United States illegally and subject to deportation. Officials with the Department of Homeland Security verified that ALAPICSO-OCHA had previously been deported numerous times in the past.
This investigation highlights the fact that that our Iron Range communities are not immune to the current nationwide issues relating to illegal immigration and the massive influx of methamphetamine and fentanyl coming across our southern border.
The LSVOTF would like to take this opportunity to remind the general public that the greatest public safety resource we have is each other. We encourage members of the community to get to know their neighbors and the officers that serve your community. If you see suspicious or illegal drug activity, don’t hesitate to share that information with your local law enforcement agency. If you are struggling with addiction yourself, please reach out for help. The Arrowhead Regional Crisis Line is 844-772-4724.
When the community and law enforcement stand vigilant together, we can ensure our region remains a safe and great place to live.
The LSVOTF would like the thank the United States Postal Inspectors Office, the Dept. of Homeland Security, the Eveleth Police Department, and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
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