BARRON COUNTY — A joint narcotics enforcement operation led to the seizure of 5.3 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of two people, according to a press release from the Rice Lake Police Department.
PRESS RELEASE
On August 30th, 2026, around 8:00 PM, the Barron County Sheriff's Office (BNSO) and the Rice Lake Police Department (RLPD) were conducting a joint narcotics enforcement detail within Barron County. At approximately 8:44 PM, a traffic stop occurred near the intersection of Hwy 48 and 9th St, east of Cumberland, Wisconsin.
During the course of this traffic stop, RLPD K9 Kash was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of controlled substances coming from within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and yielded 5.3 Ibs. of methamphetamine, measurable amounts of THC, and paraphernalia associated with the ingestion of methamphetamine and THC. An estimated street value on this amount of methamphetamine ranges from approximately $68,000 - $96,000 depending on how it would have been distributed.
Two subjects, Thomas Schuld and Valerie Owen, were identified during the course of this traffic stop. It was believed that this methamphetamine was trafficked from California and its destination was Barron County. Both subjects were subsequently arrested for crimes including the possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine > 50 grams, with a party to a crime enhancer.
On August 31, 2026, BNSO Deputies and RLPD Officers executed a search warrant within Barron County related to the aforementioned traffic stop. While serving this warrant, another subject was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating while under the influence. A search of this residence yielded many items of evidence, including evidence indicative of the sale of controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine.
Schuld and Owen currently face multiple criminal charges in Barron County. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
—Per the Rice Lake Police Department
Last Update: Sep 11, 2026 9:05 am CDT
