Authorities have busted a large scale meth dealing ring in the Wausau area. Investigators built their case against the dealers for nine months and simultaneously executed three search warrants Wednesday. Division of Criminal Investigations special agent Dave Forsythe says they seized seven ounces of methamphetamine , some marijuana, $11,000 in cash and more than $100-thousand dollars in property. And they found two 6-year-olds and a 14-year-old in the houses they searched. "They weren't in extreme danger," said Forsythe. "But, it's a drug-endangered environment. They're there, (and) there's drug dealing going on."

And not just drug dealing. Marathon County chief deputy sheriff Scott Parks says they also found a large scale cockfighting operation. "Some of those animals have now been euthanized," said Parks, adding that the cockfighting operation isn't unusual: "bet on the cockfighting while you're making your (drug) transactions." A total of 15 people will be charged. Some facing misdemeanors have already been released on bond. Others remain in jail pending initial court appearances on felony drug trafficking and possession charges.

AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (:40 MP3)

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