In February of 2021, deputies from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department responded to a location in the Village of Salem Lakes regarding a narcotics overdose investigation. Upon arrival, deputies administered NARCAN to the involved subject which ultimately saved their life.
Based on this call for service the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (KDOG) initiated an investigation to identify the source of narcotics. After a lengthy investigation, detectives uncovered a large drug trafficking organization based in Pleasant Prairie, WI operating primarily in Wisconsin and Illinois. This organization had ties throughout the United States and Mexico.
In December of 2021, KDOG led a large-scale operation in cooperation with the DEA and FBI which spanned through several states and jurisdictions. This operation resulted in the seizure of the following:
- 48 Kilograms (106 lbs.) of cocaine that tested positive for fentanyl – (estimated street value of the seized cocaine is $4,000,000 – $6,000,000)
- Approximately $50,000+ of recovered property stolen from the area.
- $120,000 of personal assets that were determined to be used in the distribution of illicit narcotics.
The investigation is still active. The identity of subjects involved are not being released at this time. Sheriff Beth would like to thank the DEA and FBI for their partnership in this investigation.
Kenosha County saw more than 40 fatal overdoses in 2021, primarily from fentanyl-laced narcotics. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department is committed to combating this epidemic.