Racine officials: 4 arrested, 3 wanted after allegedly using Snapchat to sell drugs

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Neighbors throughout Racine got a surprise wake-up call early Thursday, Oct. 14, when police busted down doors to arrest drug dealers they say used social media to do their illegal business.

Five blocks saw law enforcement as an eight-month investigation came to an end.

Before dawn Thursday, members of the Racine County Metro Drug Unit hit the streets, targeting members of a drug trafficking organization calling themselves "Bag Boys."

Police arrested four men who they say advertised their stash on Snapchat through a "drug menu."

Authorities say the Bag Boys also advertised that they were willing and able to sell illegal firearms.

"My daughter says there was a drug bust, and you're just like, what? To me it was shocking because it's very quiet here," one man said.

Police busted up drug houses on five blocks including those on St. Clair, Green, William, Marquette and Victory.

These are neighborhoods with families, where children play and seniors say hello.

"Primarily it's older people, and I never expected this and it's so unheard of," a neighbor said.

In custody are Zachary Zavala, Trestin Manar, Anthony Eaton and Joe D. Espinoza Jr. 

Police confiscated three loaded semi-automatic handguns, a loaded 12-guage shotgun, 256 grams of marijuana, 50 marijuana cartridges and nearly $1,200 cash.

The sheriff asks the public to keep in mind the daily work by law enforcement to keep our streets safe.

Police have tied three other men to the case and have felony warrants out for their arrest, including Alec Bobinski, Amanti Underwood-Givens and Xavian Cruz.

The sheriff says it's important that everyone note just how much danger illegal guns and drugs can bring to a neighborhood.