Feds: Mexican Restaurant Chain in Twin Cities Hid Large Drug Operation

A Mexican restaurant with locations in Eagan, Long Lake, and Lakeville acted as fronts for a six-year drug operation for marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, according to a federal grand jury indictment. The Star Tribune reported that Aldo Escoto, 38, of Eagan, and the former owner of El Parian restaurants, allegedly staffed his restaurants with undocumented immigrants to work long hours for days at a time at restaurants that stored drugs and illegal proceeds, court documents show.

Escoto is named in a three-person indictment that was unsealed Monday. Escoto is a fugitive.

The indictment alleges conspiracy to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as employing undocumented immigrants and money laundering.

The three El Parian restaurants Escoto opened and used to own are still in business, and there are plans to open a fourth location in the metro.

Read much more at the Star Tribune.

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