A routine traffic stop on the Menominee Indian Reservation turned into a major drug and weapons bust after tribal police found a loaded assault rifle, multiple drugs, and large amounts of cash inside a vehicle.
The incident took place around 11:15 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025. Menominee Tribal Police officers observed a vehicle speeding and initiated a traffic stop. According to the department’s official statement, the driver exhibited suspicious behavior, prompting a more thorough investigation of the vehicle.
Upon searching the car, officers discovered several items of concern:
- A loaded 9mm handgun along with ammunition
- A loaded assault-style rifle
- Multiple individually packaged bindles of suspected drugs
- A large sum of cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug trafficking
The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed pending further investigation, was taken into custody without incident. Police believe the items found point to organized drug distribution efforts.
Community Impact and Ongoing Drug Enforcement
This seizure follows another recent operation carried out by the Menominee Tribal Police just days earlier. On May 28, 2025, officers arrested three individuals — one man and two women — after receiving a tip about suspected drug activity on the reservation.
That investigation led officers to a camper located on Red Wing Way. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered various controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. The individuals were taken into custody without resistance and are being held at the Menominee Tribal Detention Facility pending formal charges.
Authorities say these back-to-back operations underscore their department’s continued commitment to public safety and zero tolerance for drug trafficking within tribal lands.
“This is another example of how proactive policing and community tips can lead to real results,” said a spokesperson from the Menominee Tribal Police Department. “We will not allow dangerous drugs or illegal weapons to threaten the safety of our people.”
Tribal Leaders Call for Vigilance
The Menominee Indian Reservation, home to the federally recognized Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, has faced increasing concerns over the presence of narcotics in recent years. Tribal leadership has voiced support for the police department’s efforts and urged community members to remain alert and report suspicious behavior.
The Department of Justice has recognized Native American communities as being particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking due to geographic isolation and limited law enforcement resources. Programs like the Tribal Assistance Program have been designed to support initiatives that reduce violent crime and drug-related offenses in Indian Country.
More information about federal support for tribal public safety can be found at the U.S. Department of Justice Tribal Justice and Safety page.
Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services works alongside tribal police to enhance enforcement capabilities, including drug suppression operations like the ones recently seen in Menominee.
Officers Praised for Quick Action
Officers involved in the June 2 arrest were praised for their alertness and adherence to protocol during what could have been a dangerous encounter. The presence of loaded firearms — including a high-powered rifle — posed a serious risk.
“Anytime our officers come across weapons in close proximity to drugs and cash, it signals a higher threat level,” said a department official. “Their calm and professional response likely prevented a violent situation from developing.”
The seized weapons, narcotics, and currency will be submitted for forensic review as part of the ongoing investigation. Charges against the driver are expected to include multiple felony counts related to drug possession with intent to distribute, illegal firearm possession, and reckless endangerment.
Continued Vigilance Urged
Law enforcement has not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or the uncovering of a broader trafficking network linked to these incidents. Officials say investigations are ongoing and encourage residents of the Menominee Indian Reservation to contact the department’s tip line for any information that might assist in the case.
Community involvement remains one of the most effective tools in keeping neighborhoods safe from drugs and gun violence, officials noted.