Wasilla man arrested after $55,000 in cash and drugs seized at local bar

A drug trafficking investigation and subsequent warrant service at a popular Mat-Su bar led to the arrest of a Wasilla man Friday night.

Mark Nester, 45, was arrested for misconduct involving a controlled substance in the third degree after law enforcement seized about $55,000 in cash and illegal drugs during a warrant service at Mug-Shot Saloon, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

Members of AST, Wasilla Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Anchorage Police Department executed a search warrant at about 10 p.m. Friday, troopers said. This came after AST’s Mat-Su Drug Team investigated suspected drug trafficking at Mug-Shot. Investigators determined that multiple staff members were trafficking illegal drugs from within the bar, troopers said.

Nester will be arraigned Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Palmer Courthouse.

The investigation continues, and more arrests could be made, troopers said.

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