Green Bay, WI — Eight of 38 suspects connected to a large-scale drug trafficking operation appeared in Brown County Court on Thursday, following a lengthy investigation that officials say has uncovered a sophisticated criminal network with direct ties to Mexican drug cartels.
Authorities allege the group was responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana across Northeast Wisconsin. The case is part of a 14-month investigation led by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, which culminated in 15 arrests earlier this week.
According to Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil, investigators began receiving intelligence in summer 2024 regarding a “substantial cocaine, marijuana, gun, and money laundering organization” operating in the area.
Key Defendants and Cartel Connections
Prosecutors identified Kevin Morana-Morales, Xiomara Rodriguez, Erik Moreno-Flores, and Elvis Alvarado as four of the main co-conspirators in the operation. Lemkuil described the network as highly organized, moving money and drugs swiftly through various channels connected to Mexican cartels.
Due to the scale and sensitivity of the case, court documents have been filed under seal, and officials confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, with multiple suspects remaining at large.
Bonds and Legal Proceedings
As per the reports, the court set significant cash bonds for the primary suspects:
- Elvis Alvarado: $500,000 cash bond
- Erik Moreno-Flores: $300,000 cash bond
- Kevin Morana-Morales: $300,000 cash bond
- Xiomara Rodriguez: $250,000 cash bond
Four other individuals — Marisela Alvarado-Prieto, Martin Alvarado-Alvarez, Elena Ruvalcaba-Mercado, and Mayra Duarte — each received $10,000 signature bonds.
Authorities say Alvarado used his mother’s home as a stash house, where detectives discovered a kilogram of cocaine and two empty kilogram wrappers. Lemkuil confirmed that Alvarado’s mother, Elena Ruvalcaba-Mercado, was present in court for a probable cause hearing. Although not believed to be directly involved, she was allegedly used by her son in his operations.
“All suspects are prohibited from having contact with one another,” Lemkuil added.
Evidence Seized in the Operation
During the coordinated raids, investigators recovered a significant cache of drugs, weapons, and cash, including:
- 3.2 kilograms of cocaine
- 45 pounds of marijuana
- 27 firearms
- Two vehicles
- $46,500 in cash
Investigation Still Ongoing
Although prosecutors have presented several key suspects, Deputy District Attorney Lemkuil emphasized that the investigation is far from over. She stated that at least five major co-conspirators remain on the run, and authorities anticipate additional arrests in the coming weeks.
Officials believe that dismantling this cartel-linked organization could have a major impact on reducing drug trafficking activity throughout Wisconsin.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or information related to drug trafficking in their area to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments.
How do you feel about the cartel-linked drug activity reaching communities in Wisconsin? Do you believe law enforcement is doing enough to combat large-scale drug trafficking in the Midwest?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
