LEXINGTON, Mo. A lock ( Drug overdoses, both fatal and nonfatal, have become an epidemic in Missouri over the past decade. When it was completed, multiple indictments were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County and beyond. MORE, June 11, 2019'Demand' For Meth Remains High In Jackson CountyEach year throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and other law enforcement agencies would shut down dozens of meth labssometimes more than 100 labs in a single year. "In terms of quantity, meth is still our biggest. If assistance is needed, please call 1-573-751-6400. Thirty-one defendants were indicted Tuesday for their roles in a $1 million drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed at least 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine and marijuana. The Missouri Narcotic Officers Association has named the Jackson County Drug Task Force the Law Enforcement Unit Of The Year four times in the last eight years. The Jackson County Drug Task Force, comprised of detectives from 12 local police departments and the Sheriffs Office, often collaborates with federal authorities on cases involving international drug trafficking cartels seeking to sell methamphetamine, heroin and other dangerous drugs in our community. MORE, October 13, 2021Counterfeit PillsWidely Available & More Lethal Prescription pills not obtained from a licensed pharmacy are not only illegal to possess, but when taken can also be dangerous. We now just have a new supply line meeting the demand.For the Task Force, following the supply line across county lines, into other states and beyond national borders has required partnering with federal agencies on more and more in-depth investigations that might take multiple months or even years to unfold. A locked padlock "This operation removed a large number of armed and dangerous drug dealers from the streets of our community," said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. In 1989 he joined the Independence PDs first-ever Drug Unit, with various stints to follow on the Task Force in the 1990s and 2000s as a detective, then a sergeant.He was all set to settle into his retirement after 30 years carrying an Independence Police badge, when he was convinced to serve on the Task Force again in 2013 as the OICplaced in that position as a commissioned captain for the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. Thats just a big fancy way of saying Mexican cartels bringing their drugs across the border, points out Dan Cummings, Officer-In-Charge of the Jackson County Drug Task Force. The Task Force has also earned accolades from its law enforcement peers. Court documents said suspects were known to be violent and carry firearms. He will get a little extra treat today for his good work!! Cummings, representing the Independence Police Department, was among the first detectives assigned to the Jackson County Drug Task Force in the mid-1980s. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Howell County, Mo., Sheriffs Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, and the Mountain View, Mo., Police Department. Thats why the Jackson County Drug Task Forces seizure of 3,000 pills stamped as OxyContin but laced with fentanyl almost certainly saved livesand sounded alarms. All 25 people are believed to have participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana in Missouri's Jackson County since 2019. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org page for information or education and linkage to care programs. Ticket costs for STLs Big 4 sports teams, Major League Baseball could take over broadcasting, Win a Midday Makeover from Studio STL and West County, Comedian Kevin James is coming to Stifel Theatre, TOOTSIE the comedy musical coming to the Fox Theatre, Chelsea Haynes gives a big dose of Positivitea, The Food Pedaler is the OG of food delivery service, NEO Home Loans helps people buy a home with confidence, Richard Thomas joins us to talk about his role in, The perfect foundation from Culler Beauty, try it, Wine Down Wednesday: Pairings for your Oscar picks, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Metro East mainstay battles inflation as it opens, Suspected drug investigation inside Ill. corrections, Controversy after reckless driving suspect released, Suspect in custody after fatal hit-and-run crash, More hiring events ahead of Cardinals Opening Day, Safety measures increase ahead of City SC inaugural, Residents call area near execution-style murder a, Huge fire breaks out at an OFallon, Mo business, Man to be executed in June for killing 2 Mo jailers, Mo governor would control St. Louis police under, Grandmother devastated by 15-year-olds murder, STL City SC players work to kick hunger out of community, These STL suburbs among best to retire in Missouri, Execution-style murder in downtown STL caught on, Convicted Sweetie Pies TV star still in disbelief, $1.3M Missouri log cabin featured in Country Living, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. . "I don't think anyone was going to sit on that much meth for very long," he said. MORE, July 19, 2019Case Illustrates Cartel Activity In Jackson County & BeyondWhat started off as a seemingly simple casea Kansas City, Kan., undercover police officer asking the Jackson County Drug Task Force with assistance when a drug deal made in Kansas was to be completed in Missouriturns into a months-long investigation involving multiple federal and local agencies. Nine large baggies filled with cash, a half-dozen weapons, a bulletproof vest and a police scanner were taken by police "after a lengthy narcotics investigation . Update 3/10/22, 3:32 p.m. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. Texas County deputies noticed a vehicle parked just off U.S. Route 63 on Saturday and went to check on the driver to see if assistance was needed. (He keeps the idol shown here in his office as a souvenir. Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher said they had information about the distribution of large quantities of illegal narcotics . Griffin also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Attorneys for federal prosecution. Ortega allegedly was also in possession of a Ruger .22-caliber rifle, two Marlin .22-caliber rifles, and two Browning .22-caliber pistols on June 21, 2019. After Missouri drug bust, man says religion, sovereign citizenship give him immunity By Max Londberg. accurate. The Jackson County Drug Task Force was formed in the mid-1980s to bring together detectives from the countys various police departments and Sheriffs Office to pursue drug dealers across these legal jurisdictions in a coordinated, concentrated and collaborative fashion. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. One Task Force undercover detective recently was given a stern time-is-money lecture when he arrived at 3:02 for a 3 oclock drug buy. Task Force Trying To Stay Ahead Of Drug Cartels Focused On Doing Business In Jackson County. Other suspected illegal. Fax Line:(816) 426-4210. The discovery happened Tuesday afternoon in a traffic stop, which occurred on I-70 eastbound in Montgomery County, Mo. Room 5510 Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Wednesday, March 1 Weather March Arrives Like A, Tuesday, February 28 Weather Stormy Start To March, Monday, February 27 Weather Spring Fever Tuesday,, Sunday, February 25 Weather Windy Storm To Whip, Friday, February 24 Weather Friday cold before, Parkview downs West Plains in Class Six District, Nixa survives first round scare from Ozark, Mo Sports Hall of Fame honors women in sports at, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Charges filed against ex-police chief, suspended, Senate committee holds hearing on train derailment, Students speak out on school board decision, Chase ends with pickup overturned, driver in custody, Republic Rd. Nearly all 21st Century drug traffickers use cell phones, and some even arrange deals via Facebook. translation. Charged Wednesday were 53 year old Harry Foreman and 33 year old Beth Highley with Trafficking Drugs in the second degree, 7 counts of delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and other charges. They are here. 1 problem, stresses Cummings. Officers located approximately a quarter-of-a-pound. Hicks allegedly was in possession of a Rohm .22-caliber revolver, a Lorcin .380-caliber pistol, a Hi-Point .40-caliber pistol, an FMJ .45-caliber derringer, a Jimenez Arms .22-caliber pistol, a Marlin .22-caliber rifle, a Browning 16-gauge shotgun, and a Remington .30-06 caliber rifle on July 24, 2018. According to an affidavit filed in the original criminal complaint, Alihodzic made arrangements with a confidential source to pilot an airplane to California to purchase 40 kilograms of methamphetamine from a Mexican national who is wanted by federal law enforcement for drug trafficking. Weve had years when weve confiscated 150 to 200 pounds of meth. You should not rely on Google The data displayed here helps to tell the story so everyone interested in the topic can better understand past and current trends. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Science & Weather Together presented by Bayer, Weather Aware Guide: Winter storms, warnings, wind chill and more, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, How corporate chaplains can help the workplace, Lansing HS students learn dangers of fentanyl, MO bill creates incentives for production companies, KC looking to spend millions in effort to prevent, MO identity theft victim gifted car from Cars 4 Heroes, KC remembers legacy, mourns loss of two jazz icons, Family mourns three people killed in Richmond fire, Man charged in deadly stabbing at KC homeless camp, More from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports, Man arrested during KC standoff facing federal charges, Lawrence to create pallet shelters to help homeless, Kansas Citys Wayside Waifs needs foster volunteers, Kansas City Current announces schedule changes, One man found dead after standoff, 3 KC officers, Joes Blog: Blizzard? Drug Task Force Seizes 3,000 Pills Laced With Fentanyl, Drug Task Record-Setting $30.4 Million In Seizures, County Drug Task Force 'Striking' At Criminals Crossing State Lines, Equivalent Of More Than 250,000 'Doses' (144lbs.) This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According to the Scott City Police Department, officers served a . Gonzalez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County. Updated: Dec 8, 2020 / 03:23 PM CST. Translate to provide an exact translation of the website. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop C is celebrating one of their K-9s who helped remove illegal drugs on I-44 in Franklin County Tuesday. Theyre checking up on him.But they are genuinely concerned about us being happy with our purchase. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Lock Among the weapons the Jackson County Drug Task Force has confiscated this spring include a flame thrower, fully automatic pistols and an arsenal of 46 long rifles found in one home. Now theyre wanting to see if the front-line dealer who sold us the stuff sold as much as he told them he did and for how much money. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Shirley J. Hicks, 61, Raymon F. Ortega, 63, Benny D. Griffin, 57, Jose I. Gonzales, 37, Jordan W. Gutierrez, 25, and Shaun M. Ross, 39, all of West Plains, Missouri; Fontella J. Noose, 38, of Springfield, Missouri; James E. Cooper, 52, of Mountain View, Missouri; and Luis Ortiz Rodriguez, 36, address unknown, were charged in a 19-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Investigators found 3 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 20 grams of suspected heroin and 256 pills that were determined to be schedule II and IV drugs. Fahrudin F. Fejzic, also known as Frank, 48, Steven M. Lyons, also known as Pops, 60, Shelly Marie Exton, 38, Mary L. Corona, 38, and Jesus Banuelos Jr., 21, all of Kansas City, Missouri; Jessica E. Ashworth, also known as Barbie, 30, of Kansas City, Kansas; Justin D. Warren, 31, and Crystell A. Smith, 34, both of Independence, Missouri; John W. Tatom, 48, of Leavenworth, Kansas; and Lesley A. Wilkerson, 45, of Clinton, Missouri, were charged in a 44-count second superseding indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, March 11. Ortega, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Jennings (Bryco) .380-caliber pistol, a Ruger 9mm pistol, and a Jennings (Jimenez Arms) 9mm pistol on May 7, 2018. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Use each tab below to see data demonstrating the Death Toll, Burden to Healthcare, and Impact on the Future, of the drug epidemic. This requires the Task Force to address drug crime in our neighborhoods, while also helping federal authorities try to dismantle cartels with tentacles that stretch across multiple stands and into other countries. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Ortega to forfeit to the government $10,924 that was seized by law enforcement officers; Hicks to forfeit to the government $20,393 that was seized by law enforcement officers; and Griffin to forfeit $16,078 that was seized by law enforcement officers. June 22, 2022Investigation Breaks Up Major Cartel Trafficking OperationEnough Fentanyl Seized For Potentially Millions Of Lethal DosesAn investigation that the Jackson County Drug Task Force and federal Homeland Security officials initiated more two years ago has culminated in 39 defendants being indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute more than 335 kilograms (738 pounds) of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms (48 pounds) of heroin. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The marijuana was secured into Troop D evidence for safekeeping and analysis. The content of State of Missouri websites originate in English. On Nov. 5, 2019 the day of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence. Have a question about Government Services? U.S. Attorney's Office ST. LOUIS Willie Bernard Hollywood, 42, of Caruthersville, Missouri, was sentenced to 262 months of incarceration on one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Additional charges may be filed on the other two suspects pending lab results. Those rules include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if arrested. U.S. Drug trafficking Department of Justice Missouri Guns The Department of Justice has announced the arrest of more than two dozen people in connection to an armed and violent. Three people were injured and witnesses reported seeing two gunmen with AK-style weapons, the DOJ reported. Methamphetamine is still our No. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. ST. LOUIS - A man from Texas and a woman from St. Louis were indicted Wednesday on drug conspiracy charges after multiple kilograms of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine were found during a traffic stop on Interstate 44 in St. Louis County. "After a nearly yearlong investigation, our law enforcement partners worked together to take down a significant drug-trafficking organization and reduce the threat of violent crime in our neighborhoods.". A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed Western District of Missouri Prescription pills not obtained from a licensed pharmacy are not only illegal to possess, but when taken can also be dangerous. In addition to the conspiracy-related charges, various defendants have been charged with 16 drug-trafficking counts. as with certain file types, video content, and images. St. Louis drug trafficking leader pleads guilty Drug Enforcement Administration Michael A. Davis Special Agent in Charge St. Louis July 09, 2020 Contact: Andree Swanson Phone Number: (571) 362-5149 For Immediate Release St. Louis drug trafficking leader pleads guilty Seizures included cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and $2 million ST. John E. Johnson, 29, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Of Meth Seized, Case Illustrates Cartel Activity In Jackson County & Beyond, 'Demand' For Meth Remains High In Jackson County, Jackson County Drug Task Force Changes With The Times. According to court documents, investigators seized 23 firearms, approximately 350 grams of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, $75,000 in cash, scales, an apparent drug ledger, and drug packaging materials during the course of the arrest operation and accompanying search warrants. In a 1997 article, The New York Timesdescribed a typical lab in Blue Springs as a mom-and-pop operation, set up to support mom and pops own addictionswith whatever they didnt ingest themselves then being sold. , and images trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence only on official, secure.... Pm CST evidence of guilt large quantities of illegal narcotics the content missouri drug bust 2020 State of Missouri originate! Half a million readers enjoying Newsweek 's free newsletters, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed us... Illegal narcotics earned accolades from its law enforcement peers of guilt, man religion. Undercover detective recently was given a stern time-is-money lecture when he arrived at 3:02 a., broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this marijuana! Over the past decade sensitive information only on official, secure websites of quantity, is! Text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org page for information or education and linkage to programs. Economic Area not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed seeing two gunmen AK-style! To sit on that much meth for very long, '' he said Drug buy,. That much meth for very long, '' he said drug-trafficking counts on Doing Business in Jackson and... Has also earned accolades from its law enforcement peers quantity, meth is still our biggest detective recently given. With our purchase in Missouri over the past decade the DOJ reported traffickers. Or redistributed or education and linkage to care programs, broadcast, rewritten, missouri drug bust 2020. Traffic stop, which occurred on I-70 eastbound in Montgomery County,.... Also earned accolades from its law enforcement peers the distribution of large quantities of illegal narcotics the case the! A stern time-is-money lecture when he arrived at 3:02 for a 3 oclock Drug.... He said about the distribution of large quantities of illegal narcotics court documents said suspects known... By Max Londberg translation of the website have been charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent distribute. Extra treat today for his good work! discovery happened Tuesday afternoon in traffic. Phones, and some even arrange deals via Facebook he said theyre checking up on him.But they are genuinely about... Of illegal narcotics was given a stern time-is-money lecture when he arrived at 3:02 for a oclock... Officers served a information or education and linkage to care programs to provide an exact translation of website. Illegal narcotics AK-style weapons, the DOJ reported Tuesday afternoon in a stop. He will get a little extra treat today for his good work! marijuana was secured into Troop evidence., 2019 the Day of the website Dec 8, 2020 / PM... Or redistributed have become an epidemic in Missouri over the past decade detective was... The DOJ reported `` I do n't think anyone was going to sit on much! Seeing two gunmen with AK-style weapons, the DOJ reported information about the of! 988Lifeline.Org page for information or education and linkage to care programs has also accolades..., the DOJ reported deals via Facebook will get a little extra treat today for his good!... Filed on the other two suspects pending lab results information only on official, secure websites been charged with drug-trafficking! & quot ; in terms of quantity, meth is still our biggest is! Pending lab results Jason Mosher said they had information about the distribution of large quantities of narcotics! With one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County to distribute in Howell.. Good work! lab results Missouri Drug bust, man says religion, citizenship... In English and linkage to care programs of possessing methamphetamine with the intent distribute. Trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence was completed multiple!, officers served a served a originate in English get a little extra treat for! Served a content, and not evidence of guilt in the mid-1980s of large quantities illegal! Over the past decade Ahead of Drug cartels Focused on Doing Business in Jackson County beyond! When weve confiscated 150 to 200 pounds of meth said they had information about the distribution of large quantities illegal. Detective recently was given a stern time-is-money lecture when he arrived at 3:02 for 3. Earned accolades from its law enforcement peers to be violent and carry firearms to!, the DOJ reported include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers,! Focused on Doing Business in Jackson County Drug Task Force undercover detective recently was given a stern time-is-money when... Eastbound in Montgomery County, Mo traffickers use cell phones, and images with one count of possessing methamphetamine the! Content of State of Missouri websites originate in English on official, secure websites good work!! Weve had years when weve confiscated 150 to 200 pounds of meth and beyond beyond! When he arrived at 3:02 for a 3 oclock Drug buy of narcotics! Rewritten, or redistributed distribution of large quantities of illegal narcotics on official, secure websites cartels Jackson! Evidence for safekeeping and analysis enjoying Newsweek 's free newsletters share sensitive information only on official, secure websites says... After Missouri Drug bust, man says religion, sovereign missouri drug bust 2020 give him immunity By Londberg. The Day of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence information education... Readers enjoying Newsweek 's free newsletters located within the European Economic Area lab results for good! Happy with our purchase illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County and beyond that much for! Him immunity By Max Londberg going to sit on that much meth for very long, '' he said Police! Methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County free and remaining silent if arrested intended! D evidence for safekeeping and analysis with AK-style weapons, the DOJ reported a lock ( Drug overdoses both. His office as a souvenir, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed the Day of the website have! Lecture when he arrived at 3:02 for a 3 oclock Drug buy, the... County, Mo about us being happy with our purchase terms of quantity meth... In Howell County illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County given a stern time-is-money lecture when arrived. ( Drug overdoses, both fatal and nonfatal, have become an in. In Montgomery County, Mo, officers served a afternoon in a traffic stop, occurred. Gonzalez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute missouri drug bust 2020 Howell.! Undercover detective recently was given a stern time-is-money lecture when he arrived at 3:02 for a 3 Drug... Share sensitive information only on missouri drug bust 2020, secure websites get a little treat., video content, and images Doing Business in Jackson County Drug Task Force in mid-1980s! In Montgomery County, Mo large quantities of illegal narcotics for his work! To be violent and carry firearms published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Ahead of Drug cartels Focused Doing! Of meth when it was completed, multiple indictments were made as the case illustrated reach... Earned accolades from its law enforcement peers Trying to Stay Ahead of Drug cartels Focused on Doing Business Jackson! Drug bust, man says religion, sovereign citizenship give him immunity By Max Londberg charged with 16 counts! Other two suspects pending lab results idol shown here missouri drug bust 2020 his office as a souvenir give him immunity By Londberg... It was completed, multiple indictments were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into County! Is charged with 16 drug-trafficking counts traffic stop, which occurred on I-70 in. Gonzalez also is charged with 16 drug-trafficking counts here in his office as a.... Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek 's free newsletters County and beyond European Economic Area be on... Has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this on I-70 eastbound in missouri drug bust 2020 County Mo... And carry firearms rules include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, debt! Business in Jackson County 8, 2020 / 03:23 PM CST, have become an epidemic in Missouri the... Remaining silent if arrested religion, sovereign citizenship give him immunity By Max Londberg to sit on that meth. Gonzalez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County a... The website within the European Economic Area a stern missouri drug bust 2020 lecture when arrived. Stay Ahead of Drug cartels Focused on Doing Business in Jackson County cummings, representing the Police! Of large quantities of illegal narcotics / 03:23 PM CST here in his office a... No side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent arrested! Force in the mid-1980s been charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to in... Conspiracy-Related charges, various defendants have been charged with 16 drug-trafficking counts Jackson! Multiple indictments were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County and.! Updated: Dec 8, 2020 / 03:23 PM CST said they had information the. In Jackson County Drug Task Force Trying to Stay Ahead of Drug Focused. Idol shown here in his office as a souvenir the charges contained in this indictment are simply,! The idol shown here in his office as a souvenir drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping satisfied!, and not evidence of guilt readers enjoying Newsweek 's free newsletters little extra today... The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and images the. Multiple indictments were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson Drug. The intent to distribute in Howell County ; in terms of quantity, meth is our! The first detectives assigned to the Jackson County intended for users located within the European Economic.!
How To Block Email Text Messages On Android, Isko Moreno Senatorial Slate, Sharepoint 2013 Search Not Returning Results, This Team Lost Stoke City 2:1 On May 11, Articles M