Thread: WI: 12 Suspected Illegal Aliens Arrested in $400,000 Drug Bu

12 Suspected Illegal Aliens Arrested in $400,000 Drug Bust
Updated: Mar 11, 2010 4:08 PM PST

By Emily Matesic

Twelve people have been arrested in connection with a nine-month investigation by the Brown County Drug Task Force netting drugs and money worth more than $400,000.

Investigators believe the ten men and two women arrested are all illegal immigrants.

The investigation began last May. After months of surveillance and controlled buys, the Drug Task Force arrested ten suspects at the end of last month and two more Wednesday night.

Officers seized more than 1,000 grams of cocaine (more than 2.2 pounds), 32 grams of methamphetamines (just under 1.13 ounces), 49 pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and $80,000 cash.

"It's a significant seizure," Lieutenant David Poteat of the Drug Task Force said.

The seizures are the net result of four separate investigations leading them to houses and apartments in the Green Bay area and Kaukauna.

Investigators believe some of these drugs were brought in from out of the country, and the group of people arrested are the upper echelon of the drug-selling business.

"I believe there is a large amount of drugs in the Green Bay area. We are a large supplier for other areas as well. Areas to the north and even to the valley, they'll drive up to get it, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, they'll drive down to get it, and then sell it at a much higher price," Poteat said.

While this is one of the largest busts seen by local investigators, these drugs, we're told, are only the tip of the iceberg.

"There's other investigations, other avenues, other groups that are still doing this at this moment, so this is just a dent in the overall drug picture here," Poteat said.

It's a dent that was made possible with help from neighbors of the suspects, who tipped off authorities to unusual behavior.

It was then confidential informants who helped authorities crack this case wide open.

"We can't really go and buy particularly from the bigger dealers. They see me and say no, it's not going to happen," Poteat said. "But somebody who's probably bought from them in the past, they have the credibility; they go up and say, 'I want two, three, four ounces or a quarter kilo of cocaine,' and they're like, 'Sure.'"

All of the suspects have appeared in court and are facing various drug charges. They're all being held in the Brown County Jail.

"I don't think it makes a difference in the availability of drugs tomorrow. I do think it makes a difference to the people that live around these houses, and in those communities I think it makes a great difference," Poteat said.

http://oneoldvet.com/

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=12124738

Thanks. Sending this story forward to Congress......