Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
Authorities executing a search warrant Tuesday busted an alleged drug operation in a town of Aniwa trailer protected by weapons and a surveillance system.
A 42-year-old Aniwa man was taken into custody pending possible drug and firearm-related charges.
Shawano County sheriff’s deputies, assisted by Antigo police, executed a search warrant on the residence and had to force their way in after the man failed to comply with orders to open up, the Sheriff’s Department said.
The residence was equipped with a fortified door and other protections, according to Capt. Tom Tuma, who said authorities are seeing a disturbing trend in the most recent drug busts.
“This is the third in a series of recently executed search warrants where deputies encountered loaded firearms and the second in a row that was equipped with surveillance systems,” Tuma said. “Clearly, these circumstances present a threat to local authorities and potentially others.”
During a 4 1/2-hour search, authorities located numerous controlled substances and paraphernalia in various locations around the property, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
The department said there was probable cause to believe the chemicals and substances found were part of a distribution operation.
Tuma said an initial evaluation indicates some of the substances found were designer chemical compounds now making their way through the area.
“Some of what we encountered are the very substances we’ve been speaking to local groups about during public presentations,” Tuma said. “The sheriff’s office feels strongly that our community should understand what we are encountering, as well as the impact these drugs have on our communities. Our approach is to continue these discussions and remain aggressive from a law enforcement perspective.”
Additional testing, along with a continued investigation into this matter is anticipated, Tuma said.
Additional persons of interest were also being examined, he added.
Numerous charges are being considered against the man authorities said was the lone occupant of the trailer when the search warrant was executed. Possible charges include felon in possession of a firearm, maintaining a drug house, possession of harmful substances, possession of suspected bath salts, possession of illegal substances, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Tuma said the Sheriff’s Department is forwarding the matter to the Shawano County District Attorney’s Office for examination and formal charges, as well as alerting the U.S. Attorney and Federal Drug Enforcement Administration for review.
“This incident is only the latest in an increasing number of incidents involving extremely harmful controlled substances,” Tuma said. “The sheriff’s office is receiving vast amounts of intelligence regarding these types of cases and continues to examine information and investigate thoroughly.
“Authorities strongly recommend that if the purveyors of controlled substances wish to remain home for the holidays, they cease and desist from the possession and sales of illegal substances.”