Waukesha County Metro Drug Unit to become DEA Task Force later this year

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office announced Monday, July 25, their Metro Drug Unit is in the process of transitioning into a DEA task force later this year. 

According to a news release from the sheriff's office, the Metro Drug Unit has been in existence for over 25 years, is led by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office, and is made up of several Waukesha County law enforcement agencies. The Metro Drug Unit investigates local drug complaints of production and distribution of controlled substances within Waukesha County. They also provide investigative support for drug related overdose cases to local law enforcement agencies and drug-based presentations to the community.

The news release says, the transition from the Metro Drug Unit to a DEA task force was brought about by the unit’s recent demonstrated ability to successfully identify, disrupt, or dismantle drug trafficking organizations who are responsible for lethal drugs coming into Waukesha County and affecting its citizens.

The benefits of becoming a federal task force include increased law enforcement participation, along with financial and investigative support from the federal government.

As a federal task force, the Metro Drug Unit will have an enhanced ability to continue the reduction of available controlled substances within Waukesha County. They will also have the ability to pursue investigations that lead to source suppliers outside of Waukesha County.