More arrests made in connection to drug trafficking investigation

In the late morning hours of December 20, 2024, the Alaska State Trooper’s Southcentral SWAT Team and Mat-Su Drug Team conducted a search warrant at a residence in Meadow Lakes associated with an ongoing investigation into suspected drug trafficking occurring at the Mug-Shot Saloon in Wasilla, according to an online dispatch.

Earlier this month, a task force of law enforcement officers from the Alaska State Troopers (AST), Wasilla Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Anchorage Police Department executed a search warrant at Mug-Shot Saloon. As a result of the search warrant, 45-year-old Wasilla resident Mark Nester was arrested for Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Law enforcement seized approximately $55,000 in cash and illegal narcotics during the warrant service.

As a result of the search warrant and ongoing investigation, 40-year-old Wasilla resident Justin Jensen and 29-year-old Wasilla resident Andre Davis were arrested for Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Law enforcement officers also located Nester, who was currently on supervised release. Nester violated his conditions of release and in possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Nester was arrested for Violating Conditions of Release and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. All three were remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial.

Back in August, the AST Mat-Su Drug Team initiated an investigation and during the course of the investigation, determined that multiple staff members were trafficking illegal drugs from within the bar.

The Mat-Su Drug Team is a part of the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Initiative and consists of law enforcement officers from the Alaska State Troopers and Wasilla Police Department.

The investigation is active and ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.