MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A recent drug bust in Milwaukee led to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) capturing about 18 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and a firearm. It happened on Feb. 10 near the intersection of 44th and Center. It was one of four locations searched by police and Waukesha County sheriffs as a result of a months-long investigation, leading to federal charges for two Wisconsin natives.

CBS 58

The DEA says this is an example of the work they look to continue in 2026, focusing on what they say is the greatest threat to public safety: fentanyl.

In a CBS 58 exclusive, Montse Ricossa sat down with John McGarry, the assistant special agent in charge with Milwaukee DEA, to learn more about their priorities and the role Wisconsin plays in the drug landscape of the United States.

"Fentanyl, in the last five years, has wreaked havoc on communities," said ASAC McGarry. That's why the Drug Enforcement Administration launched "Fentanyl Free America," focusing on reducing the number of deaths from the drug. In Milwaukee County, fentanyl overdose deaths went from 525 in 2022 to 191 last year, according to the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management.

Part of that success comes from the fact that the biggest drug busts in one calendar year in Wisconsin history happened in Green Bay. DEA agents seized 1.3 million fentanyl pills.

CBS 58

The DEA also said Wisconsin made up 76% of all fentanyl pills seized by their administration from northern and central Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin last year. ASAC McGarry explained that Wisconsin plays a consumption role because of where our state is geographically.

"We're not at the crossroads of being like a distribution point for other geographic areas in the United States," said McGarry. "So what we see are usually large shipments that come here for consumption within the boundaries of the state."

Five years ago, the biggest drug threats were mostly cocaine and methamphetamine, according to ASAC McGarry. But since then, fentanyl and methamphetamine have become the main concerns.

"What a lot of people expect of drug use involves sort of a clandestine or secret location, a syringe, and dirty needle. And the cartels are a flexible and adaptable organization that is involved in business and profit, so they have gotten adept at branding fentanyl as something else," he explained.

It's reportedly a way to target younger users. ASAC McGarry said the largest demographic of users they see are those aged 18 to 35 or 40 years old.

As we start 2026, ASAC McGarry has high hopes for his team and their continued success.

"I think we'll continue to attack drug organizations as we have. I mean, it's, it's our legacy. It's what people come to DEA for. It's what makes people feel accomplished and successful," McGarry said. 

McGarry emphasized it's critical parents have candid conversations with their children about drugs, because even a single use can have deadly consequences.

"The message is simple... just don't try anything or do anything that either a doctor or somebody in the medical establishment has said that you're authorized to do, and if you have any questions, you should ask a parent or respected adult," said ASAC McGarry.

Find more resources here.