The case is being prosecuted in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. An investigation started which apparently lead to the largest drug bust in Hobart/Lawrence history. PHOENIX Arizona authorities targeting the Sinaloa Drug Cartel have seized narcotics they estimate are worth more than $13 million, including more than 4 . 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. On Sept. 9, investigators met with a confidential source who had purchased "large quantities of methamphetamine" from Liebergen. Posted 8 Jun 2021 8 Jun 2021 Tue 8 Jun 2021 at 6:25am , updated . "At the gram level, in Northeast Wisconsin, it would have been over $2 million at the end," says Kinnard. However, where exactly the load came from is still under investigation. They searched the vehicle and found a Glock 9 mm handgun under the driver's seat, according to the affidavit. 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. Police also seized about a kilogram 2.2 poundsof heroin or fentanyl, and a Ruger handgun. 3 arrested in largest meth bust in La Crosse police history Nearly 11 pounds of meth with street value of $124,000 seized A further search of the vehicle turned up the following: --13.9 grams of marijuana (found in safe). wo pu xb. By Mike Leischner Dec 12, 2021 | 8:04 AM. Inaddition to the illegal drugs, police seized what they called "alarge amount" of prescription medications and designer pills. Lisa Marie Celeskey, 33, faces one felony count of first-degree aggravated controlled substance crime and one felony count of third-degree controlled substance crimes. It's like a plot straight out of the Netflix crime drama "Ozark." The complaint says on April 10th police were called to the Menards Distribution Center in Eau Claire where employees found suspicious items in a semi-trailer. According to. Mesa Police Department had its biggest drug bust ever when they found over 700,000 fentanyl pills and 15 pounds of hard drugs at an apartment. It's whatever you can make a buck on, so they'll sell whatever they can sell. Police encourage members of the community to report suspicious drug-distribution-related activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 60 pounds? A meth bust earlier this month in the Wausau area, however, is not related to the Gran Chute case, authorities said. When we see a kilo of cocaine that's unusual for us here in Wisconsin but to see 65 pounds is highly unusual.. 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. They said Tuesday that the investigation could lead to further arrests. 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. Follow him on Twitter at @PGDougSchneider. The Grand Chute arrest was part of an investigation that included local police from departments in Outagamie, Brown and Winnebago counties, as well as the state Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. It's fortunate, police say, that someone made that telephone call. Someone would book the room for Liebergen so there was no trace back to him. Among the items seized by police include marijuana and five types of dangerous drugs, enough cash to buy a new carand four handguns. 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 National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. All rights reserved. Sandy Vang, 49,Wausau:three counts of distributing meth with two counts alleged to involve 5 grams or more. He along with the others involved are being charged with six felony counts including conspiring and Duluth Police say they were ready to take down the organization back in March, but the pandemic put a pause on their plan. Liebergen also is charged with possessing a firearm while committing a drug-trafficking crime. . One of the warrants was executed at a Grand Chute hotel where defendant Derek A. Liebergen was alleged to be selling drugs. The DEA does know where the load was destined to go but are not releasing that information at this time. Derek A. Liebergen, 26, of Kaukauna, is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a felony, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court. Meng Xiong, 26,Wausau:two counts of distributing meth with one count alleged to involve 5 grams or more. Par Y. Contact Doug Schneider at (920) 431-8333, or DSchneid@gannett.com. aiding and abetting to sell more than a hundred grams of a controlled substance. The caller said that the vehicle, which was occupied by one person, was parked at the gas pumps for over an hour. He was found with suitcases and bags full of drugs and a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun, according to federal prosecutors. 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. The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department said the county saw more than 40 fatal overdoses in 2021, primarily from fentanyl-laced narcotics. Because the task force works with state and federal officials, its investigations can cross state lines. KENOSHA, Wis. A Kenosha County overdose investigation uncovered nearly $4 million worth of narcotics from a drug trafficking organization. On Sept. 9, the Brown County Drug Task Force arrested defendant Malachi Root in Green Bay. She has not been publicly identified. Follow him on Twitter at @PGDougSchneider. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Liebergen had a handgun in the waistband of his pants when he was arrested. 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. Parks said Xiong's operation had the ability to move up to a pound of meth at a time in central Wisconsin. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, 48 Kilograms (106 lbs.) He's also charged with possessing a gun in a drug trafficking crime. "This is going to be the largest seizure of methamphetamine in Northeast Wisconsin history. The organization also had ties throughout the United States and Mexico, according to the sheriff's office. 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. Chong Chueneng Moua, 51, St. Paul, Minnesota:conspiring to distribute meth, possessing 50 grams or more with intent to distribute. The driver was asked to step out of the car and was placed in handcuffs. 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. While they don't yet know the street value of the drugs, Police Chief Randy Bani said investigators believe between $20,000 to $30,000 of drugs were confiscated. If you have any information, you are asked to call the taskforce tipline at 218-730-5750 or dial 911. 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. Liebergen had a handgun in the waistband of his pants when he was arrested. "So honestly, they probably thought they were buying heroin or fentanyl and got Tramadol," says Kinnard. ve. Federal charges have been filed against a man accused of selling large quantities of meth out of a hotel room in Grand Chute. "You're traveling and little do you know that right next to you, is a guy with a handgun and 50 pounds of meth.". Joshua . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A search warrant was executed for Liebergen's hotel room in Grand Chute. 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. Approximately $50,000+ of recovered property stolen from the area. It was operating primarily in Wisconsin and Illinois. Additionally, about $50,000 U.S . 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. An affidavit for Ullmer's arrest states that on Oct. 1, police officers pulled Ullmer over in Green Bay. On Oct. 3, Ullmer's girlfriend was arrested in Oconto Falls. 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. Police found 1,800kg (283 stone) of what is known locally as. The source told officers that Liebergen was going to be in the area on Sept. 11 with a large amount of meth. Someone notified sheriff's dispatchers that the driver of a car at the station appearedto have been asleep at thegas pumps for roughly an hour. Three Anoka residents were arrested and charged in connection with a suspected major drug distribution ring. At this point, only the Liebergen and Ullmer affidavits have been filed on federal court records. The investigation was conducted by theCentral Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force. A conviction on that charge carries a minimumof five years in prison. Action 2 News is working to obtain all of the complaints and affidavits. The Kwik Trip was on Freedom Road (CTH S) in Lawrence. Almost two tonnes of methamphetamine has been seized by Australian police - the biggest bust of the drug in the country's history. Appleton-area bust involving 'suitcases full' of methamphetamineis one of state's largest, Untraceable 'ghost guns' pose new worry for Green Bay-area police, threaten to serve as new currency in meth buys, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. $120,000 of personal assets that were determined to be used in the distribution of illicit narcotics. Biggest drug bust in wisconsin. Police caught up with Liebergen at a Grand Chute hotel. Police say they tookthousands of dollars' worth of illicit drugs off the street, as well as four loaded handgunsand ammunition. Nearly 50 people are now being charged after a year-long investigation focused in Duluth, Rochester, and on the Iron. 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. 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. A quantity of illegal drugs will sell for significantly more in Upper Michigan than in northeastern Wisconsin, Ronk said. If convicted, Xiong could face between 10 years and life in federal prison. Contact Natalie Brophy at (715) 216-5452 or nbrophy@gannett.com. 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. Kinnard says Liebergen had been selling drugs in hotels throughout the Northeast Wisconsin area. DaoThao, 39,St. Paul, Minnesota:possessing 50 grams or more of meth with intent to distribute. On March 29, authorities say they were called to a gas station on Freedom Road (Highway S) in Lawrence. zp. Authorities said they could not discuss specifics of the investigation. 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. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Other major Wisconsin meth busts in recent years include: The seizure of 19 pounds in Manitowoc County this May. He admitted to traveling from Missouri to Wisconsin with 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. LAWRENCE - It started as a guy sleeping at the wheel of an SUV at a southern Brown County Kwik Trip around midnight. Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken says the shut down of this organization would not have been possible without the collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies. The complaint states the source had made multiple purchases from Liebergen in the past. Charges: Anoka residents busted with over 1,000 grams of meth. One of the biggest drug busts Florida has ever seen was straight out of a movie. He funneled pounds of meth from Missouri to Northeast Wisconsin, according to investigators. According to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department, in February of 2021, deputies responded to a narcotics overdose investigation in the Village of Salem Lakes. Investigators found a large number of drugs including over 310 mg of cocaine and over 300 Ecstasy pills. Marathon County prosecutors filed charges against four more. The caller reported a vehicle was parked at a gas pump for more than an hour. Kai Chang, 28,Wausau:conspiracy to possess meth as a habitual criminality repeater. He was found with suitcases and bags full of drugs and a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun, according to federal prosecutors. After commemorating Recovery Month in September, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says the dismantling of such a large drug organization is important in the fight against addiction. "This was the supply source for this part of Wisconsin.". tv. Liebergen is charged in federal court with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Kenosha Drug Operations Group (KDOG) then initiated an investigation to identify the source of narcotics. Operation Tranquilandia was led by the DEA in 1984. Followher on Twitter @brophy_natalie or Facebook at facebook.com/bynataliebrophy. Suitcases full of drugs. Serrano admitted to be a meth user. Other major Wisconsin meth busts in recent years include: The seizure of 19 pounds in Manitowoc County this May. LAWRENCE, Wis. (WFRV) In what authorities are calling the largest drug bust in Hobart/Lawrence history, officers seized multiple items from a vehicle that was parked at Kwik Trips gas pumps for over an hour. He drove from Missouri to Northeast Wisconsin to sell the meth to lower-level dealers. The bust resulted in a confiscation of 10 tons of cocaine, which was worth around $1.2 billion at the time. Drug task force officers point to 26-year-old Derek Liebergen as the leader of the operation. An investigation started which apparently lead to the largest drug bust in Hobart/Lawrence history. The Lake Winnebago Area MEG Unit, Brown County Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation worked together on the case. Such a vehiclecan retail for between $28,000 and $35,000 in this region, depending on mileage and condition. A search warrant was executed at Ullmer's home in Oconto Falls. In 1995, the US Coast Guard carried out a huge drug bust off the coast of Peru, which at the time was the biggest drug bust on the high seas, though it would soon be topped. Their K-9, Rika . jw. 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. 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. Authorities allege that the meth was to be sold to pay a drug debt. Vang C. Yang, 26, St. Paul, Minnesota:two counts of distributing meth. That's what drug task force officers say they found while investigating a major drug operation in Northeast Wisconsin. Wausau woman Lisa Xiong, 31, who went by the nickname "Nova," wasthe leader of the meth ring, according to court documents. 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. Federal investigators believe the 58 pounds of meth seized from Liebergen's hotel room is worth $500,000 - $750,000 on the street. The seizure by the Brown County Sheriffs Office of10.68 pounds of methamphetamine in 2017 after afive-month investigation. Organization also had ties throughout the Northeast Wisconsin area a hundred grams of a movie can cross state lines March. Liebergen was alleged to involve 5 grams or more in handcuffs in 2021, primarily from fentanyl-laced narcotics a major! There was no trace back to him honestly, they probably thought they were called to pound... 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