St. Paul man charged with intent to distribute fentanyl

The United States Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that a 40-year-old St. Paul man has been charged with possession and intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, Juan Manuel Buendia-Caldera was taken into federal custody Thursday. He made his initial court appearance on Friday.

Allegations in the criminal complaint state that after receiving information that an individual identified as "Migo," later identified as Buendia-Caldera, was selling fentanyl in the Twin Cities area, an undercover law enforcement officer contacted Buendia-Caldera to purchase the drug. Buendia-Caldera delivered 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl to the undercover officer.

During the transaction, the suspect discussed his ability to provide an additional two kilograms of the drug as well as crystal methamphetamine.

On Thursday, following his arrest, police seized more than two kilograms of fentanyl from Buendia-Caldera’s residence.