Milwaukee, Wis. — Federal agents in Wisconsin have taken down a violent street gang believed to be connected to an international drug cartel after a lengthy investigation that resulted in 22 arrests and the execution of 24 federal search warrants, officials reported on Monday.
The sweeping crackdown — dubbed “Operation Chalkline” — targeted gang members operating primarily in Milwaukee and Racine who, according to investigators, were trafficking large quantities of narcotics and weapons throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
During the coordinated raids, law enforcement officials confiscated over four kilograms of cocaine, 260 grams of fentanyl, 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of marijuana, 23 firearms, and three vehicles, as stated by the FBI.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The investigation was spearheaded by an officer from the Mount Pleasant Police Department who was part of the FBI Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force, a coalition that comprises officers from the Caledonia Police Department, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Racine County Sheriff’s Office, and Racine Police Department.
In one of the most significant joint enforcement actions in recent years, 14 SWAT teams were deployed for the operation. Agencies that contributed to the takedown included the Cudahy Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Milwaukee Police Department, Oak Creek Police Department, West Allis Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and several federal agencies such as the ATF, DEA, HSI, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Gang Tied to International Drug Network
Federal officials reported that the gang had direct ties to a prominent international drug cartel, which was responsible for supplying the narcotics distributed throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The investigation uncovered that the group was engaged not only in drug trafficking but also in violent crimes that instilled fear in communities across Milwaukee and Racine Counties.
“Operation Chalkline represents the culmination of years of dedicated work by law enforcement to dismantle a dangerous network responsible for violence and narcotics trafficking in our communities,” the FBI Milwaukee Field Office said in a statement. “We remain committed to working with our partners to crush violent crime and ensure public safety across Wisconsin.”
The FBI said additional arrests and charges could follow as the investigation continues.
