Feds charge 24 people from Milwaukee drug-trafficking outfit

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MILWAUKEE (AP) — Federal authorities in Wisconsin said Thursday they have charged 24 people associated with a violent drug-trafficking organization in Milwaukee known as the Buffum Meinecke Boys.

Investigators say they recovered more than 900 grams of heroin, 150 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 20 kilograms of marijuana, about $300,000 in cash and 53 firearms.

“Every Milwaukee resident deserves to live in a secure neighborhood, free from groups who wield guns and pedal dangerous drugs,” U.S. Attorney Matthew Krueger said in a release.

The suspects range in ages from 18 to 38. The indictment charges 15 of the defendants with conspiring to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, at least 5 kilograms or more of powder cocaine, at least 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and more than 50 kilograms of marijuana.

One of the suspects, Victor Gonzalez, is charged with unlawful possession of 37 firearms. His attorney, Kathleen Quinn, did not immediately respond to an email request by The Associated Press.