The La Crosse Police, in conjunction with area law enforcement agencies conducted a traffic stop on Thursday January 20^th at approximately 5:23 pm in the area of I90, Exit 2. During this traffic stop, Officer Westpfahl and his K9 partner Loki indicted a positive alert. In the trunk of the vehicle, a total of 12 bags of Methamphetamine were located inside a backpack. The total weight was 10.96 pounds, just shy of 5 kilos. This is the largest seizure of Methamphetamine in the history of the La Crosse Police Department. 

If this was sold on the streets of La Crosse in 3.5 gram increments, the estimated street value would be $124,000.00. There was also $778 dollars located on one of the passengers. Three occupants in the vehicle were arrested; Armando Lara Nieto (07/16/72), Emmanuel Flores Sauceda (05/02/82) and Juventino Lara Plancarte (05/12/68.) Juventino was released from prison in 2020 after serving 9 years for Methamphetamine distribution.

This is an ongoing investigation.  All suspects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Arrested:

Armando Lara Nieto 07/16/1972

Charge: Possession with Intent-Phencyclidine/Amphetamine/Methamphetamine 961.41(1m)E4

Emmanuel Flores Sauceda 05/02/1982

Charge: Possession with Intent-Phencyclidine/Amphetamine/Methamphetamine 961.41(1m)E4

Juventino Lara Plancarte 05/12/1968 

Charge: Possession with Intent-Phencyclidine/Amphetamine/Methamphetamine 961.41(1m)E4