Sheriff Becker adds that Wood County has seen 12 overdose deaths this year, and with the number of drugs taken off the street as a result of the raid it is likely that many lives were saved from an overdose. WAUSAU- A Wausau-area methamphetamine distributionring was responsible for bringing "pounds" of the drug into central Wisconsin before authorities busted 16 people who were involved, U.S. Attorney Scott Blader said. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He funneled pounds of meth from Missouri to Northeast Wisconsin, according to investigators. Biggest drug bust in Mesa PD history: 700K+ fentanyl pills, 15 lbs of hard drugs found. Federal investigators believe the 58 pounds of meth seized from Liebergen's hotel room is worth $500,000 - $750,000 on the street. Home / Legal News / Overdose investigation leads to large drug bust in Wisconsin Overdose investigation leads to large drug bust in Wisconsin KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) Authorities say an 11-month investigation that began with a drug overdose in southeastern Wisconsin has netted 106 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value up to $6 million. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. They searched his hotel room and found 60 pounds of meth and one kilogram of what investigators believed to be heroin/fentanyl, according to the complaint. The office states in December of 2021, KDOG led a large-scale operation in cooperation with the DEA and FBI, which spanned through several states and jurisdictions. of cocaine that tested positive for fentanyl (estimated street value of the seized cocaine is $4,000,000 $6,000,000). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. On Oct. 3, Ullmer's girlfriend was arrested in Oconto Falls. Sheriff: Area meth bust could be largest in state history, 911 call turns fire drill at Xavier High School into shelter-in-place order, Milwaukee murder suspect captured after chase in Winnebago County, Prosecution moves to ban Grant Fuhrmans mother from the courtroom, Aaron Rodgers hopes to have decision sooner rather than later, Brown County Showcase of Homes starts spring tour, Public File Assistance Contact - (920) 432-3331. On Sept. 9, the Brown County Drug Task Force arrested defendant Malachi Root in Green Bay. rc Authorities say an 11-month investigation that began with a drug overdose in southeastern Wisconsin has netted 106 pounds of cocaine with an. The 10-day sting is. Among the. and last updated 4:15 PM, Jan 21, 2022 KENOSHA, Wis. A Kenosha County overdose investigation uncovered nearly $4 million worth of narcotics from a drug trafficking organization. Inaddition to the illegal drugs, police seized what they called "alarge amount" of prescription medications and designer pills. To the east, Langlade County had a large drug bust almost two weeks ago.. Down Highway 29 west, the Marshfield Police Department also had two larger-scale drug busts last weekend. He's also charged with possessing a gun in a drug trafficking crime. Drug task force officers point to 26-year-old Derek Liebergen as the leader of the operation. The Eau Claire County Sheriff's Department says a California man is in custody for the biggest cocaine bust investigators have ever seen in our area. Sheriff Shawn Becker says his team has been working with the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force and the Department of Justices Division of Criminal Investigation into the matter for several months, ending when a search warrant was executed on Thursday, December 9th. "At the gram level, in Northeast Wisconsin, it would have been over $2 million at the end," says Kinnard. Two weeks later, as police have sorted out their findings, Hobart-Lawrence police say the March arrest turns out to have been the largest drug bust the department has ever made. tv. al. and last updated 2:32 PM, Feb 27, 2023. Serrano has been charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. aiding and abetting to sell more than a hundred grams of a controlled substance. Deputies also confiscated24grams of MDMA commonly known as the club drug "ecstasy" 64grams of hashish oil, 27grams of marijuana, 3.5grams of cocaine, illegally obtained prescription medication, drug paraphernalia and two guns. FOX 6 Now Milwaukee CLAM LAKE -- The war on drugs has a new battleground and it's deep in the heart of Wisconsin's great northwoods. That kilogram of Tramadol found in Liebergen's room? Her, 61, Wausau:delivery of 3-10 grams of meth,delivery of 10-50 grams of meth as a habitual criminality repeater. Duluth police say this is the largest drug bust in history for the region. The dealers broke it down to sell on the street. Par Y. It's fortunate, police say, that someone made that telephone call. Click the link to donate to Stock the Shelves and fight hunger in your community. Joshua . Tell us where we should look inside here. Mai Xiong, 32, Wausau:delivery of 10-50 grams of meth,party to the crimeas a habitual criminality repeater. The case is being prosecuted in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. wo pu xb. "It's not about drugs. The Wausau-area arrests were not connected to another major bust in northeastern Wisconsin involving nearly 60 pounds of meth found in suitcases at a hotel, according to Brown County authorities involved in that case. In that case, more than a dozen people have been charged in connection with the sale of meth that had been brought to Wisconsin from California. He has entered not guilty pleas to the charges. "They were paying the Fentanyl price for it.". Police said the man's "stash" includedsignificant amounts of cocaine, as well asmethamphetamine, fentanyl, LSD, marijuana, heroin,drug paraphernalia and about $50,000 in cash. The next morning, the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office announced the 34 arrests and the seizure of 3,164 pounds of methamphetamine the biggest drug bust in the county's history, and one of the largest ever in the nation. . Police found 1,800kg (283 stone) of what is known locally as. A conviction on that charge carries a minimumof five years in prison. Meng Xiong, 26,Wausau:two counts of distributing meth with one count alleged to involve 5 grams or more. A brother-sister duo, a quiet suburb, and a false attic wall hiding $24 million in cash made trafficking. 1 person hospitalized after shooting at Peoria gas station, Anastasia to open Thursday night in Chandler, Heres the lineup for Arizona Broadway Theatres 2023-2024 season, TRENDING: Shes a tough kid: Avondale father says University of Idaho student killed fought her attacker. Rugers and Glocks. While searching the semi-trailer officers also found two methamphetamine pipes. Operation Tranquilandia was led by the DEA in 1984. DULUTH, Minn. The Duluth Police Department and a string of other law enforcement agencies including the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Taskforce have shut down a significant drug trafficking ring that extended throughout Greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, 48 Kilograms (106 lbs.) 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 3,000 pounds of meth seized during joint drug bust Clark's buzzer-beating three sends #6 Iowa past #2 Indiana 86-85 Police are searching for a suspect after shots . That's what drug task force officers say they found while investigating a major drug operation in Northeast Wisconsin. Authorities in Southern California have seized more than 16 tons of marijuana worth an estimated $1.19 billion, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said Wednesday. He and his girlfriend, 25-year-old girlfriend Carley Poettker were arrested following the search. Officers arrested 36-year-old Jesus Rojas Romero, 20-year-old Alex Ruiz, and 22-year-old Christian Valles Castro after the bust. Large Drug Bust Nets Over $130 Thousand in Illegal Drugs in Wood County. Soua Khang, 23, Wausau:conspiring to distribute meth,three counts of distributing meth. He said police have seen theflow of drugs into the region increase in the past five years; the same improved highway system that make it so families can reach vacation destinations more quickly also makes it easier for drug sellers to reach customers in the region. Among the items seized by police include marijuana and five types of dangerous drugs, enough cash to buy a new carand four handguns. They wouldn't release the man's name because the investigation is continuing, but Lt. Matt Ronk of the Brown County Drug Task Force said authorities believe the man intended to deal drugs in the county. Suitcases full of drugs. By Mike Leischner Dec 12, 2021 | 8:04 AM. Because the task force works with state and federal officials, its investigations can cross state lines. Two weeks later, as police have sorted out their findings, Hobart-Lawrence police say the March arrest turns out to have been the largest drug bust the department has ever made. Officers seized the following during the hotel bust: --1 kilogram of tramadol (prescription narcotic for pain). Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Kristie Ann Wallace was arrested as part of the raid and will have several unspecified charges against her forwarded to the Wood County District Attorney. Chong Chueneng Moua, 51, St. Paul, Minnesota:conspiring to distribute meth, possessing 50 grams or more with intent to distribute. Students Gather For 8th Annual "I Love To Read" Event, Coffee Conversation: Singing With The Stars Happening Friday, Award And Author Event Supporting Duluth Public Library, Northland Happenings, Weekend of February 24, 2023. ve. A federal grand jury in Green Bay has indicted nine people in the drug conspiracy--believed to be one of the largest in state history. No additional information was provided, Local 5 will continue to update this story. "We are sending a strong and clear message to out-of-state sources that if theyre dumping methamphetaminefrom out of state into Wisconsin, we're going to locate them, prosecute them and send them to federalprison," Blader said. Their K-9, Rika . He admitted to traveling from Missouri to Wisconsin with meth. Drug investigators executed multiple search warrants in September 2019. Liebergenwas taken into custody at the hotel on Sept. 11, and formally charged on Sept. 16, court records show. The task force, formed in 2018, is made up of officers from the Marathon County and Lincoln County sheriff's offices, Wausau and Everest Metro police departments,Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigationand the FBI, Marathon County Sheriff Scott Parks said. Liebergen had a handgun in the waistband of his pants when he was arrested. A conviction on the trafficking charge could lead to a sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. DaoThao, 39,St. Paul, Minnesota:possessing 50 grams or more of meth with intent to distribute. Posted 8 Jun 2021 8 Jun 2021 Tue 8 Jun 2021 at 6:25am , updated . According to the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department, on March 29 officers responded to a report about a suspicious person/vehicle at the gas pumps at Kwik Trip. The Kenosha Drug Operations Group (KDOG) then initiated an investigation to identify the source of narcotics. The arrest is detailed in documents filed in federal court. Liebergen had a handgun in the waistband of his pants when he was arrested. "Once we identified that source with that amount of methamphetamine that was supposed to hit the streets, they worked together to take action and apprehend that individual so that it didn't get to the streets," says Sheriff Delain. It's a large amount of methamphetamine. Authorities would not say if the Grand Chute arrest is related to an Oconto Countybust, announced Tuesday, in which sheriff's deputies seized156grams of methamphetamine. The investigation was conducted by theCentral Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force. "This was the supply source for this part of Wisconsin.". He was found with suitcases and bags full of drugs and a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun, according to federal prosecutors. Duluth Police say they were ready to take down the organization back in March, but the pandemic put a pause on their plan. The investigation continues as authorities are still searching for about ten other individuals with active warrants for their arrests related to this drug trafficking ring. The bust resulted in a confiscation of 10 tons of cocaine, which was worth around $1.2 billion at the time. While the arrest was good news for law enforcement in Hobart and elsewhere in Brown County, Bani doesn't pretend thatthis arrest will make the use of illicit drugs in the region go away. It was operating primarily in Wisconsin and Illinois. RELATED: 60 pounds? All rights reserved. They had to revamp their strategy, which led to the successful end of this drug operation. RELATED:Sixteen people charged with drug crimes after meth investigation in Wausau area, RELATED:'Suitcases full' of methamphetamineseized in Appleton area. The department also says Menards has no connection to the case and reported the incident to law enforcement right away. More information on those is expected to be released at a later date. TOWN OF LAWRENCE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) A person falling asleep in a vehicle at a gas station led to the largest drug bust in Hobart/Lawrence history, police say. Officers "had to wake the guy up," Hobart-Lawrence Police Chief Randy Bani said. Man charged in largest Eau Claire cocaine bust, Colfax man accused of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, Missing endangered person alert issued for man missing from Sheldon, Connells Supper Club in Chippewa Falls and Fall Creek listed for sale, Wisconsin Republicans push tighter budget, downplay surplus, Royal Credit Union awarded $640,000 from grant program. Drug task force officers who worked the largest meth bust in Northeast Wisconsin say the drugs came from the Mexico Drug Cartel and were trafficked from Missouri to Wisconsin. Ger Moua, 31,Wausau:three counts of distributing meth with one count alleged to involve 5 grams or more and one count alleged to involve 50 grams or more,possessing a firearm fora drug trafficking crime,being a felon in possession of a firearm. The drug haul was destined for Brown County, and would likely have been sold locally, police said. Nine people have been arrested as part of that investigation. Officers were able to wake the driver up, and as the driver removed his hands from his pockets, drug paraphernalia was seen. Liebergen obtained pounds of meth on several occasions dating back to spring. Colombian police seized a haul of cocaine found on the Mira River that was one of the biggest seizures of this drug ever in the world. Contact Natalie Brophy at (715) 216-5452 or nbrophy@gannett.com. According to police, officers seized. This big drug bust is similar to the others because it's linked to -- you guessed it -- cocaine. Something that we've never seen up here in this type of quantity," says Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain. Police said the man brought $20,000 to $30,000 worth of drugs into the county, though the value of the substances could reach much higher depending how it is packaged and distributed. "This quantity was directed all over Northeast Wisconsin," says Sheriff Delain. In the bust, which occurred on Tuesday, authorities were able to seize, more than a pound of heroin and fentanyl, about two and a half pounds of methamphetamine, and two guns. Contact Doug Schneider at (920) 431-8333, or DSchneid@gannett.com. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. However, where exactly the load came from is still under investigation. Police also confiscated the 2019 Ford Explorer the man had been driving. A law enforcement source said "roughly two rolling suitcases full" of methamphetamine transported from Missouri were seized from a guest's room at the Wingate by Wyndham on North Federated Drive in Grand Chute. Blader said the use of illegal drugs has become an epidemic in this country, with tens of thousands of people dying every year from overdoses. Other major Wisconsin meth busts in recent years include: The seizure of 19 pounds in Manitowoc County this May. Duluth police say this is the largest drug bust in history for the region. "It basically shut down the flow of meth into this area, at least for a while," Lasee said. After examining the bags police found 68-pounds of cocaine totaling an estimated $3 million in street value. The complaint states the source had made multiple purchases from Liebergen in the past. A federal criminal complaint obtained by Action 2 News shows Derek A. Liebergen is accused of possession with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of "a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.". Chou Xiong, 36,Wausau:conspiring to distribute meth, seven counts of distributing 5 grams or more,one count of distributing 50 grams or more. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is between $132,000 and $142,000. A search of her vehicle turned up the following: --Loaded Smith & Wesson MP Shield 9mm handgun. The operation resulted in the seizure of the following: Officials say the investigation is still active. m. 158 people will eventually be charged with drug trafficking, according to Wood County Sheriff Tom Reichert. Cartel connection: tracing meth from Missouri to Northeast Wisconsin hotels, 911 call turns fire drill at Xavier High School into shelter-in-place order, Milwaukee murder suspect captured after chase in Winnebago County, Prosecution moves to ban Grant Fuhrmans mother from the courtroom, Aaron Rodgers hopes to have decision sooner rather than later, Brown County Showcase of Homes starts spring tour, Public File Assistance Contact - (920) 432-3331. It took a substantial effort by each and every one of them, and the sacrifices that go with it to be able to have a day where we made a substantial dent into the supply of poison that are reaching our streets, said Tusken. Police say they tookthousands of dollars' worth of illicit drugs off the street, as well as four loaded handgunsand ammunition. Police say the total value of the drugs came in at over $4.4 million. RACINE - Authorities arrested eight suspected major drug traffickers and seized more than $60,000 worth of drugs in what law enforcement called one of the biggest drug busts in Racine County history. A 20-year-old woman was arrested in that incident, sheriff's officials said. He drove from Missouri to Northeast Wisconsin to sell the meth to lower-level dealers. The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department said the county saw more than 40 fatal overdoses in 2021, primarily from fentanyl-laced narcotics. One of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of a movie. If convicted, Xiong could face between 10 years and life in federal prison. When officers arrived, they found the vehicle running and the person inside the car appeared to be asleep. Vang C. Yang, 26, St. Paul, Minnesota:two counts of distributing meth. TOWN OF SARATOGA, WI (WSAU) A large amount of cocaine, Ecstacy, fentanyl, and marijuana was seized as part of a drug bust in the Wood County Town of Saratoga late last week. As a result of that investigation, a federal grand jury has returned an six-count indictment charging nine defendants with conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana. Drug task force officers who worked the largest meth bust in Northeast Wisconsin say the drugs came from the Mexico Drug Cartel and were trafficked from Missouri to Wisconsin. Kinnard says Liebergen had been selling drugs in hotels throughout the Northeast Wisconsin area. "So honestly, they probably thought they were buying heroin or fentanyl and got Tramadol," says Kinnard. Authorities said they could not discuss specifics of the investigation. Eight others are charged in the conspiracy: Malachai J. Root, 29 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime, Wayne L. Stilen, 39 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime, Sally A. Miller, 35 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Jeremy M. Ludwig, 32 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Kayla R. Kennedy, 39 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Jasmine L. Gillette, 24 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Christopher S. Ullmer, 22 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Peter F. Thao, 23 - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. And then he made a connection there to a cartel source, direct back into Mexico," says Kinnard. One pound of meth sells on the street for up to $40,000, after it is divided into grams, the sheriffsaid. Investigators said the bust is the largest drug haul in the world in terms of both value and quantity. Police also seized about a kilogram 2.2 poundsof heroin or fentanyl, and a Ruger handgun. Contact Doug Schneider at (920) 431-8333, or DSchneid@gannett.com. A search warrant was executed for Liebergen's hotel room in Grand Chute. Sixteen people charged with drug crimes after meth investigation in Wausau area, 'Suitcases full' of methamphetamineseized in Appleton area, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. At a news conference Thursday, Duluth police officials said they worked with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to seize roughly 1,207 grams of meth and 527 grams of heroin and. Nearly 50 people are now being charged after a year-long investigation focused in Duluth, Rochester, and on the Iron. Warm weather thinning ice ahead of sturgeon spearing, Kewaunee 4-H club wins Cedar Crest Ice Cream contest, Weyauwega derailment memories resurface after Ohio, More from WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton, Semi ends up on its side on I-41 near FDL County, FDL man arrested, held on 10 counts of Child Pornography, Police in WI warns community of fake money, Milwaukee homicide suspect arrested in Winnebago, USPS to buy 9K electric vehicles, 14K charging stations, Missing Kimberly man found, returned safely home, Drug task force in Wisconsin finds nearly $120k in, WI man sentenced for failing to pay IRS employment, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Large amount of prescription medications and designer pills. On March 29, authorities say they were called to a gas station on Freedom Road (Highway S) in Lawrence. Authorities say an 11-month investigation that began with a drug overdose in southeastern Wisconsin has netted 106 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value up to $6 million.