4-month investigation leads to drug bust, one arrest at Wasilla bar
Cash and illegal drugs seized
WASILLA, Alaska (KTUU) - A four-month investigation has led to one arrest, $55,000 in money and an untold amount of illegal narcotics seized in a Wasilla establishment.
Mark Nester, 45, of Wasilla, was arrested for Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.
According to Alaska State Troopers, it began with an investigation back in August by the Troopers Mat-Su Drug Team. They began investigating suspected drug trafficking at the Mug-Shot Saloon in Wasilla.
Troopers say that during the course of the investigation, it was determined that multiple staff members were trafficking illegal drugs out of the bar.
On Aug. 9, detectives and investigators conducted a surveillance operation at the Mug-Shot Saloon, according to charging documents. An undercover detective met with a patron at the bar who told the undercover detective that he was a “regular.”
The man told the undercover detective that he usually purchases an “8-ball” of cocaine from one of the bouncers at the bar for $240 and would do this multiple times a week, the charging documents stated. The man allegedly told the undercover detective that he would be meeting with the bouncer that night in the bathroom to make the exchange.
The detective observed the bouncer, identified as Nester, and the patron enter the bathroom together. They left the bathroom, and the patron allegedly told the undercover detective to meet him outside the bar. The undercover detective gave the man $120 in exchange for 2.17 grams of cocaine.
That cocaine was field tested and came back positive for cocaine, according to the charging documents.
On Friday night, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Mug-Shot Saloon. The task force of law enforcement officers who executed the search warrant comprised Alaska State Troopers, the Wasilla Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Anchorage Police Department.
Nester had his arraignment at the Palmer Courthouse on Sunday morning. He posted bail Monday morning at $2,500 in cash. He is due back at the Palmer Courthouse for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 18.
Troopers say this is an active and ongoing investigation, and additional arrests may be made.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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