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Massive Meth Ring Busted in Twin Cities - International Operation

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. sted-in-twin-cities-international-operation.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 1:42 GMT by The Spokesman-Review
      Locales: Washington, Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Minneapolis, MN - February 23rd, 2026 - A complex, months-long undercover operation orchestrated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and local law enforcement has dismantled a massive international methamphetamine smuggling ring that funnelled drugs into the Twin Cities area. Dubbed "Operation Northern Lights," the investigation culminated in the arrest of Jian Li, identified as the ringleader known only as "The Mandarin," in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The operation began with a seemingly routine tip regarding suspicious activity at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. However, investigators quickly discovered a far-reaching network responsible for importing significant quantities of methamphetamine--commonly referred to as "ice"--from Southeast Asia. The scope of the operation quickly expanded beyond local concerns, requiring collaboration with international agencies in Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia. The smuggled drugs were concealed within seemingly legitimate cargo shipments, making detection incredibly challenging.

At the heart of Operation Northern Lights was ICE Agent Marcus "Mac" McMillan, who bravely volunteered to assume the alias "Ricky," a fictitious methamphetamine supplier. For months, McMillan lived a double life, navigating the dangerous world of drug trafficking while meticulously gathering intelligence on the organization's structure, routes, and key players. The undercover role demanded not only a convincing persona but also constant vigilance, as any slip-up could have compromised the operation and put McMillan's life at risk.

According to Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Elena Ramirez, McMillan's willingness to take on such a high-risk assignment was crucial to the investigation's success. "Marcus had the right demeanor, the right background, and the willingness to put himself in harm's way," Ramirez stated. "He became 'Ricky,' a ruthless drug dealer who, unbeknownst to everyone around him, was gathering intelligence." McMillan's communications were carefully monitored through a discreet, custom-built earpiece disguised as a hearing aid, ensuring constant contact with his handlers and allowing for real-time assessment of potentially dangerous situations.

The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation with layers of intermediaries shielding "The Mandarin" from direct involvement. Establishing a direct connection to Li proved exceptionally difficult. McMillan's skillful cultivation of relationships within the organization was instrumental in penetrating these layers. He participated in fabricated deals, skillfully evaded surveillance attempts by the smuggling ring, and maintained the facade of a hardened criminal, all while collecting vital evidence.

The turning point arrived when McMillan, as "Ricky," received an invitation to a meeting with "The Mandarin." The meeting took place in a luxury penthouse in Kuala Lumpur, where Li was revealed to be a seemingly unassuming businessman. Armed with the evidence meticulously gathered by McMillan, authorities launched a coordinated raid, resulting in Li's arrest and the seizure of millions of dollars' worth of methamphetamine. The seizure represents a significant blow to the organization's ability to distribute drugs, not just in the Twin Cities, but potentially across North America.

"It was a textbook operation," Ramirez emphasized. "The success of Operation Northern Lights is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our agents and our international partners. It also highlights the importance of taking risks and thinking outside the box to combat transnational crime."

Despite this significant victory, law enforcement officials stress that the fight against drug trafficking remains an ongoing challenge. The dismantling of one network does not eliminate the problem; rather, it prompts the emergence of new, often more sophisticated, methods. Criminal organizations are constantly adapting, requiring law enforcement to remain vigilant and innovative in their investigative techniques.

Agent McMillan, hailed as a hero by colleagues and officials, remains remarkably humble about his role in the operation. "I just did my job," he said. "It was a team effort. And we're committed to stopping those who profit from human suffering." The ICE, FBI, and local law enforcement agencies are continuing to monitor potential successor organizations and are committed to disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into the Twin Cities and beyond. Further investigations are underway to identify and prosecute any remaining members of the smuggling network and to dismantle their financial infrastructure. The operation underscores the growing need for international cooperation to effectively combat transnational criminal organizations.