- Additional charges and more defendants have been added to two federal indictments that now charge a total of 21 defendants for their roles in separate conspiracies to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Springfield, Mo., area, resulting in the overdose deaths of at least two people. The Department of Justice has announced the arrest of more than two dozen people in connection to an armed and violent drug-trafficking organization in Missouri. Nothing? In a 1997 article, Methamphetamine is still our No. LEXINGTON, Mo. Lewis, Neal and Hawkins are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law. (KY3) - A drug bust in Texas County, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests. The discovery happened Tuesday afternoon in a traffic stop, which occurred on I-70 eastbound in Montgomery County, Mo. 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. Andrew B. Lewis, 31, of Licking; Melissa Neal, 39, Licking; and Stephanie M. Hawkins, 35 . Rodriguez, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Taurus .410-caliber revolver on Jan. 4, 2019. "EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE" Dan Cummings is proud of the work the Jackson County Drug Task Force has done during his tenure as the Officer-In-Charge, but as a former undercover officer he prefers staying out of camera range. AwardsThe Task Forces work was been recognized repeatedly by its peers: For some drug dealers dealing drugs is more than a business. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Those rules include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if arrested. The COMBAT-Funded Jackson County Drug Task Force seized 144 pounds of methamphetamine during a recent search of a Kansas City property. A cartel CEO enforces his personnel rules with violenceextreme violence. LEXINGTON, Mo. He helped to remove more illegal drugs today on I-44 in Franklin Co. That starts with chasing the tail, luring smaller-time dealers into convert buys and working your way up. (KY3) - A drug bust in Texas County, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests. With the local supply all but eliminated, the cartels have stepped in to continue feeding Jackson Countys meth addiction. I cant give you a statistic for it, but I can guarantee we prevent some peoplekidsfrom having an opportunity to try these drugs for the first time., March 8, 2022149% Increase In Overdose Deaths Linked To Fentanyl Just a speck of fentanylseven hundred thousandths of an ounce (0.00007)can kill a person, but drug dealers are using the synthetic opioid more and more to manufacture counterfeit pills or to mix it with other drugs (like a fentanyl-meth combo being distributed in baggies with a "red lips" logo). 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. For example, a federal grand jury in Kansas City indicted 12 residents from the KC and St. Louis areas last December for their roles in an $8.5 million conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine over a two-year period. MSHP said K-9 Pelle will be getting an extra treat for his work on the drug bust. Crime does not stop at the state line and neither does the Strike Force, said Stephen McAllister, the U.S. Attorney for Kansas. But the sophistication level of todays traffickers goes far beyond using modern communications. Since being approved in 1989, COMBAT has funded the Task Forces operations. An official website of the United States government. Find todays top stories on fox4kc.com for Kansas City and all of Kansas and Missouri. The arrests happened Monday in the area of Ivey Lane. Project Safe Neighborhoods An official website of the United States government. (Photo: Hannibal Police Department) Troopers made the stop in Lafayette County, east of the Kansas City metro Wednesday. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. With these local supply lines being severed, Mexican cartels have stepped in to fill the void and meet the ongoing demand for methamphetamine. It really is like getting a call from customer service.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. Drug task force officers who worked the largest meth bust in Northeast Wisconsin say the drugs came from the Mexico Drug Cartel and were trafficked from Missouri to Wisconsin. Xiaozheng Liu, 35, and Huanzhi Ye, 51, are charged with first-degree and second-degree trafficking, the delivery of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance. A 15-year-old Missouri girl died earlier this month after a robbery gone wrong in which a pair of armed teenagers opened fire on the car she was riding in, authorities said. Cummings, representing the Independence Police Department, was among the first detectives assigned to the Jackson County Drug Task Force in the mid-1980s. The indictment also charges all of the defendants with a related money-laundering conspiracy. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Between 2011 and 2018, the Task Force took part in investigations that led to 1,238 federal prosecutors, compared to 568 state cases. U.S. Attorney's Office We shouldnt be because a lot of what we do is undercover. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org page for information or education and linkage to care programs. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. A locked padlock A locked padlock 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Acting Director Additional items are still being logged into evidence. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. The marijuana was secured into Troop D evidence for safekeeping and analysis. 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. Those rules include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if arrested. Find out who's a rat by searching our snitch list containing information about known confidential informants, state's witnesses, and other snitches from our database. When Cummings says doing business thats exactly what he means. 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. If assistance is needed, please call 1-573-751-6400. An official website of the United States government. In addition, some applications and/or services may not work as expected when translated. A lock ( ), If you are in a cartel, they might drug test you, Cummings says. Troopers arrested the suspects, but charges have not yet been filed in the case. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, Dunklin County Sheriffs Department and Kennett Police Department. A release from the sheriff's office said 20-year-old . including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from or in connection with use of the Google Translate Service. Especially alarming was the amount of fentanyl also seized: 10.4 kilograms (22.9 pounds), enough for millionsliterally millionsof potentially lethal doses. 'DEADLY' DRUGS KEPT OFF STREETS, If we come into your neighborhood and you know we are there, doing our work, then weve failed. The U.S. Attorneys Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. According to the Scott City Police Department, officers served a . Nine individuals, primarily from West Plains, Mo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Howell, Greene, and Texas counties. 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. SCOTT CITY, MO (KFVS) - Illegal drug activity led to the arrest of ten people in Scott City. The data displayed here helps to tell the story so everyone interested in the topic can better understand past and current trends. After a buy, well get follow-up calls from someone higher up in the organization, says Cummings. (KY3) - Two men and a woman face charges following a drug bust in Camdenton. 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. ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department seized a large amount of cash and weapons in a drug bust in south St. Louis, Thursday. Lock This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. 1 problem, stresses Cummings. by: Staff Writer. Theyre checking up on him. All these digital conversations save the Task Forces undercover detectives time writing reports. If you follow the trail of the drugs were confiscating, you are going to cross paths with operatives for one of these cartels doing business in Jackson Countynot just in Kansas City, but in Blue Springs, Lees Summit, Independence. They also seized 18 firearms from Alihodzics vehicle, including a fully automatic machine gun, two sawed-off shotguns, and a stolen firearm. Updated: Dec. 23, 2016 at 6:51 AM PST. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The drug remains a stubborn scourge in southwest Missouri, according to Tim Garrison, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. With several of their cases having roots that trace back to Mexican cartels, the Task Force confiscated more than $16 million in illegal drugs last year. MORE. 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. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. Hollywood was arrested after officers observed him meet with a suspected drug courier in Kennett, Missouri, and found him to be in possession of twenty pounds of methamphetamine. Gonzalez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County. In one incident, members of the organization were accused of a shooting on April 17, 2021. The criminals running these cartels think of themselves as being CEOsentrepreneurs, captains of industry, innovators. Federal agents heard popping noises similar to that of a firearm and the screaming sound of human voices. According to the PC statement, on Jan. 17, a Highway Patrol trooper saw a rental box truck speed past him in the left lane on I-44. Missouri State Highway Patrol - Arrest Reports Online Arrest Reports Search Reports: Click on a letter to view arrests by troop. Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the Task Force and other local law enforcement agencies concentrated on shutting down meth labs operating inside the county. 400 East 9th Street Hollywood has a criminal history, which includes convictions for armed robbery and a prior federal conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2006. Deputies then searched the vehicle, which led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia and substances believed to be fentanyl and methamphetamine. Francisco Manuel Mata-Martinez, 41, of El Paso, was indicted. He will get a little extra treat today for his good work!! Law enforcement investigators were conducting surveillance at Alihodzics residence on Feb. 19, 2019. Hollywood was ordered to forfeit $73,960.00 in drug proceeds and will be placed on supervised release for a term of five years after the completion of his incarceration. GREENE COUNTY, Mo. The DOJ reported that the following defendants were each charged in an 86-count indictment unsealed on March 1 and were residents of Kansas City, besides Deone D. Gardner, 28, also known as "Twin," who was from Belton, Missouri: Kevin C. Cokes also known as "Big K" and "Uncle," 60; Mercedez M. Gardner, also known as "Twin," 36; November D. Gardner, also known as "October" and "Nuttie," 23; Idella Gardner, also known as "Lupi," 34; Delmar L. Hatcher, 51; Nathaniel B. Chapple, 24; Treandre R. Walker, 24; Hazel M. Berymon, 64; Carlton L. Burns, also known as "Pooder," 24; Christopher J. Hicks-Berry, 35; Kyeir C. Theus, 35; Tony L. Davis, 52; Michael R. Parks, 62; Brian T. Boxly, 45; Parris J. Walker, 27, Jachobette J. Gardner, 42; Reginald L. Mitchem, 42; Eliot E. Cox, 32; Martell C. Cratch, 30; Anthony D. Stuckey, 66; Matthew Rogers, 59; Gloria Hutchinson, 37; Eddie L. Nicholson, Jr., also known as "Junior," 54; Toneisha R. Blackmon, 29; Shania N. Bailey, 23. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. The Licking Police Department also assisted with the arrests. Troopers made the stop in Lafayette County, east of the Kansas City metro Wednesday . The subjects also had a loaded pistol in the passenger area of the vehicle. Contact Local Troop Headquarters Information on this site is preliminary information relating to arrests performed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 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. Hannibal Police arrest six people in drug busts by KHQA Staff December 17th 2020, 10:56 AM PST Two Hannibal residents, Amanda Fugate, 37, and Christopher Davis, 31, are both charged with methamphetamine distribution and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. "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. Kansas City, MO 64106, Telephone:(816) 426-3122 The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) goal is to get the head of the snake, according to Cummings. Task Force Trying To Stay Ahead Of Drug Cartels Focused On Doing Business In Jackson County. (KY3) - Police say a traffic stop led to a large drug bust in Lebanon. The federal courthouse in Kansas City can really only handle about 25 indictments in a given day, and we tried to indict 25 in one shot. The drug trafficking organization was believed to be mainly operating in east Kansas City, Missouri. Police arrested four people on Tuesday and another 21 people on Wednesday. They can use screen-captures. A 16-year-old boy and . Room 5510 Missouri ranked 32nd among all states and DC for drug overdose death rates in 2020 and is the #1 leading cause of death among adults age 18-44 in Missouri. One Jackson County Drug Task Force detective serves as a liaison to the FBI; meanwhile, a DEA agent has been assigned to the Task Forces officean undisclosed location. But in the last six or seven years, weve gotten to be very well known within the drug community. That number is now down to less than 10. There are circumstances where the service does not translate correctly and/or where translations may not be possible, such 1 problem, stresses Cummings. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. 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