The DEA and our partners are focused on the most dangerous criminals in Washington. Note: Internet Explorer has problems displaying the following charts. Updated: Jun 22, 2021 / 11:41 AM . The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland . Aleah Freitag, age 29 of Rockdale; Kimberly Lee, age 26 of Gatesville; Liberty County officials were asked to assist in a search warrant led by the DEA out of Houston to seize what they estimated to be $500,000 worth. "As these three seizures illustrate, our frontline officers at World Trade Bridge continue to maintain their vigilance, supporting the CBP mission by disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics entering our borders," Acting Port Director Eugene Crawford, Laredo Port of Entry said in a statement. (KWTX) - Federal agents swept through Central Texas on Thursday and Friday and arrested 15 area residents named in sealed drug trafficking and firearms indictments, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a press release Friday. Its clear that Bidens open border policies are unleashing deadly consequences right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Abbott told the room of reporters. I dont remember this amount of meth being taken before, its a huge amount.. An indictment should not be considered evidence of guilty. Lock The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. Later that evening, officers encountered a daily express consignment truck hauling a shipment of vinyl samples arriving from Mexico. Marshals returned to Brady on Tuesday morning in an attempt to stop the gigantic drug ring that is supplying narcotics across Texas according to sources with the federal court system. The GBI said they seized more than 38 kilograms of methamphetamine worth about $530,000, marijuana, illicit pharmaceuticals, 11 firearms, 34 vehicles bought with money from drug proceeds, and . The remaining defendants face between five years and 40 years in federal prison upon conviction because the quantity level charged is at least 50 grams. Drug ledgers were also found, which contained customer and payment information, in addition to 14 firearms, some of them loaded. The 18-month investigation revealed the drug trafficking organization was also distributing drugs to locations in the Southeastern United States including Florida, Arkansas and Tennessee. It happened this week at . SAN ANTONIO - Six people are in custody, two of which are being held in a federal facility, following a drug bust on the North Side, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Your IP: These indictments are an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. Young, unsuspecting Texans are buying drugs that are laced with fentanyl. 24-year-old Jacob Winters is facing numerous drug charges to Agents at eight . Barton was already in custody when the indictment came down. Suite 115 Carter's body was discovered by his housekeeper. 4 men arrested after DPS troopers announce fentanyl bust in NW Houston. The alleged leaders of the drug distribution ring, Jose Maldonado-Ramirez, 33, and his fianc, Iris Amador-Garcia, 30, of Bellflower, California, were arrested October 28, 2021. In a recent drug bust in Texas, federal and local law enforcement recovered more than a kilogram of cocaine, half a kilogram of methamphetamine, 14 firearms, and nearly $1.6 million in cash during a drug bust in southeast Dallas, Texas. Kayli Marie Guthrie of Temple, 21, is named in an indictment charging possession of a firearm by a convicted felon that alleges she was in possession of a .45 caliber Colt handgun on May 21, 2020 after she was convicted on March 27, 2020 in Bell County of possession of a controlled substance and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. In a recent drug bust in Texas, federal and local law enforcement recovered more than a . If convicted, Lewis faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Insisting that the border was not facing a crisis, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in early March that the problems the agency faced should be blamed on the previous administration. The indictments were unsealed Friday, April 16, 2021, in Waco. The Dallas division of the DEA has made the largest methamphetamine seizure in North Texas. The bust . Below is a list of recent Texas drug busts that have seized record amounts of drugs. Officials say after getting a search warrant some 393 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine was found inside. Both were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony. On Feb. 16 around 2:15 p.m. a DPS trooper stopped a 2021 . Authorities have seized nearly 200 pounds of drugs valued at more than $1.6 million following three separate searches at the Laredo Port of Entry in Texas. Authorities arrested Guthrie last night. The home was being used as a conversion lab where meth is turned into the raw, liquid form, making it more difficult for agents to detect. "One pill one time can kill," Oz said, noting that the US had . Jose Gutierrez, Crigger and Lewis were already in custody prior to yesterday. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers carried out three unrelated seizures last week, two of which occurred in the same day. The indictment alleges that on December 21, 2020, Lewis possessed a .380 caliber pistol. But then they got word it had started again. Federal agents arrest more than a dozen local residents named in drug trafficking and firearms indictments, Assistant district attorney from Williamson County suspended after DWI wreck in Hewitt, New non-profit coming to Bell County in fight against homelessness, Change was like night and day: Mother testifies in retrial of ex-Waco day care owner charged in childs overdose death, Impacts of four-day week on school support staff. Traffic stop leads to major drug bust in Cibola County by: KRQE Staff. Indictment #3 - U.S. v. Lori Oliphint. "The Yellow Rose of Texas is safer today as we bring justice to those drug traffickers who want to poison our communities and profit from those who struggle with addiction. The distribution of drugs like heroin, cocaine, meth, and fentanyl into the state is an ongoing problem, and it seems like authorities are constantly the biggest drug busts in Texas. The charges, which include . Drug Trends in Texas 2021: A Report to the National Drug Early Warning System Jane Carlisle Maxwell, Ph.D., Research Professor Emeritus Highlights Texas has 254 counties and, as of 2020, a population of 28,995,881 with 42% White, 40% Hispanic, 12% Black, and 5% Asian. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office has announced the largest marijuana grow and distribution operation ever busted in Escambia County. As of 15 December 2021 the Drug Seizures dashboard now includes seizures of all drug types. According to Eastland County Today, Tuesday at 1:30 am - Eastland County Deputy Sheriff Colby Jackson made a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle on Interstate 20. This is a highly addictive drug that can lead to mental illness, increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and more. The indictment alleges that on November 11, 2020, he possessed at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. Roberts and Keith are both accused of distributing drugs in the Bellmead area. Our services include 24-hour medical supervision and counseling to ensure that our patients are safe, healthy, and getting the resources they need to get and stay sober. At the time, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said it was the second-largest bust ever, behind only a 5,000-pound bust in December 2019 in Laredo, Texas. The objectives of this operation were to hold those accountable for the menace of illegal narcotics trafficking, and the violence associated with it, which has plagued our communities for far too long in the state of Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest, stated DEA Special Agent in Charge, Frank Tarentino. All rights reserved. The amount of heroin seized by DEA Field Divisions increased by 30% from 2018 to 2019, with the largest amounts of heroin seized in Texas, California, Arizona, and New York. They were arrested and charged with drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute. The second operation began with the investigation of a stolen vehicle parked outside a business. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Stimulant abuse involving cocaine and meth has also remained high. The Delhi Police on Wednesday destroyed over 2,800 kgs of . According to a release from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Drug Enforcement Admiration arrested 13 people as part of Operation Hartbreak Kid, which was named after the man agents believe to be the lead defendant in the case, 27-year-old Derrick Hart. Fifteen local residents --Jose Francisco Gutierrez, 33 of Killeen; Sarah Elizabeth Crigger, 30 of Nolanville; Bobby Quinton Gentile, 43 of Holland; Ashley Nicole Sutton, 31 of Belton; Wesley Warrick, 50 of Cameron; Carlos Avila, 38 of Buckholts; Joe David Beck, 50 of Temple; Lesleigh Arianne Bittner, 33 of Belton; Aleah Freitag, 29 of Rockdale; Kimberly Lee, 26 of Gatesville; Colton Lane Lewis, 30 of Temple; Angela Loy, 32 of Temple; Frank Medina, Jr, 43 of Temple; Timothy Neal Nyquist, 36 of Temple; and Trisha Ann Sanchez, 40 of Temple--are named in indictments alleging they conspired since January 2020 to distribute multiple kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in Bell County and surrounding areas.. Indictment #1 U.S. v. Gutierrez, et al. Investigators did not reveal the name or location of the business or say where the alleged meth lab was located. DPS and HPD bust suspected drug lab in NW Houston . Barton is accused of possessing at least 500 grams of methamphetamine on November 11, 2020. Unfortunately, the impact of drug trafficking is reflected in the high rates of drug use in the U.S., specifically the opioid epidemic. Federal authorities arrested 21 individuals yesterday, including several Central Texans, on federal drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff, Drug Enforcement . Unfortunately, methamphetamine is one of the largest threats in North Texas, so we would anticipate that a lot of it was destined for the market here.". Amid an 800 percent surge in seizures of fentanyl statewide due to porous borders, Texas will create a new criminal offense for the manufacture or delivery of the drug, the governor has announced. Click to reveal It is unseen to the general public, but importantly, this unseen thing coming across the border is deadly dangerous, Abbott explained, referring to the drug. Various people working with law enforcement provided information regarding the drug distribution activities. "We continue to seize these large amounts of drugs, and what we want our constituents to know and the good citizens of Tarrant County to know [is that] this is a clear and present danger to us until we continue this fight," said Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn. During the initial roundup, the Drug Enforcement Agency were able to arrest over 15 people for . Sarah Elizabeth Crigger, age 30 of Nolanville; BOSTON - Two members of a Cape Cod heroin trafficking ring have been sentenced to 10 years and nine years in prison for their roles in a violent kidnapping captured on video. A man named Hector Manuel Castro-Quirino, 47, and his girlfriend Vanesa Ann Cervantes, 38, were residents of the two-bedroom home. More than $45 million of methamphetamine has been seized in a drug bust in Texas. If youve heard of heroin but dont know what it is, its a powerful opioid that works differently from meth or cocaine. The investigation began in June when law enforcement was tipped off about drug dealers operating out of a home in South Acres Drive in Dallas, TX. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar says a drug operation at the home in the 100 block of Trudell was first broken up a few weeks ago when Deputies were delivering a warrant. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division (SFD) Tacoma Resident Office (TRO) and Bremerton Police Department (BPD), with assistance from Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement (TNET); the Seattle, Puyallup, Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Bonney Lake, Tacoma, and Lakewood Police Departments; the Pierce County Sheriffs Office; Washington State Department of Corrections; Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET): Centralia and Chehalis Police Departments; Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET); and Washington State Patrol; Thurston Narcotics Team (TNT), Kitsap County Sheriffs Office, and Mason County Sheriffs Office; United States Postal Inspections Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) with support from Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas ( HIDTA). Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid. "It's a staggering amount to be seized at one time," Eduardo Chavez, the special agent in charge for DEA Dallas, told local TV station WFAA. November 11, 2021 / 11:37 AM Denison police make largest drug bust ever. As Mayorkas denied the existence of a crisis, Mexican President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador blamed the new president for it, arguing that the expectations he set left migrants with the perception that they would be let into the US. Wesley Warrick, age 50 of Cameron; 25 kilograms of meth seized in Cloverleaf area, Texas DPS says. OTAY MESA, Calif. - Clay pots, jicama, and furniture all had one thing in common for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Otay Mesa's cargo. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said its Dallas division made the biggest methamphetamine seizure in North Texas history after finding the drugs in a hidden compartment of an 18-wheeler off Interstate 35 in Denton County. And while they were at it, they grabbed 65 vehicles, nearly 200 animals, and close to . All the suspects were charged with drug crimes, with most in connection to a wide-scale trafficking ring in Leon and Gadsden counties. BATON ROUGE - On Saturday deputies shutdown a large drug operations near S . More than $45 million of methamphetamine has been seized in a drug bust in Texas. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said its Dallas division made the biggest . 2021 / 8:48 AM / CBS Texas . This undated photo provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows seized drug bundles containing 132 pounds of methamphetamine on display from Feb. 25, 2021, at the Laredo port of entry. bust in U.S. history, finding more than 5,528 pounds of the drug . The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired since January 2020 to distribute multiple kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in Bell County and surrounding areas. Jose . A locked padlock The others face between five years and 40 years in federal prison if convicted because the quantity level charged is at least 50 grams. Published: May 5, 2021, 5:21 AM Updated: May 5, 2021, 6:28 AM Tags: Drug Bust , Crime , Liberty County LIBERTY, Texas - A tip led to the largest drug bust in Liberty County Tuesday, the Liberty . This federal grand jury indictment charges 35-year-old Cory Joe Barton of Gatesville with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Central Americans looking for refuge from the Northern Triangle countries Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras have taken these policy moves, as well as the overwhelmingly more welcoming tone from Democrats, as a sign that Biden is inviting them to cross the border. Defendant Healer engaged in an armed stand-off with law enforcement today. The DEA has seized a record 20 million fentanyl pills nationwide this year, including more than 9.5 million in Arizona alone. One additional defendant was arrested today with 2 pounds of methamphetamine, three rifles, and a shotgun. Newly endangered milkweed could stop Texas border One operation began with a street level narcotics seizure. A second mate and a crew member have been arrested in the massive bust. The men are currently being held on $250,000 bonds each. 2023 Banyan Treatment Centers. We knew there was a possibility there would be quite a bit of dope there, but that is a huge quantity of methamphetamine, said McNamara. Twenty Central Texans are facing federal drug trafficking and firearms charges stemming from five separate, but related, federal grand jury indictments. Largest Texas Drug Busts in 2021. DEA Takes Down Major Drug Ring in the Heart of Texas. February 21, 2023. Posted: Jun 21, 2021 / 04:36 PM MDT. Albert Lee, also known as "Mook," 32, of Pawtucket, R.I., was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. Law enforcement officials say the drug investigations are ongoing. Biggest bust: More than $500K in meth off Central Texas streets, Assistant district attorney from Williamson County suspended after DWI wreck in Hewitt, New non-profit coming to Bell County in fight against homelessness, Change was like night and day: Mother testifies in retrial of ex-Waco day care owner charged in childs overdose death, Impacts of four-day week on school support staff. Sign up and receive email updates on the latest news, events, and more! Colton Lane Lewis, age 30 of Temple; The east lane of FM 2271 was closed for several hours, and authorities funneled traffic into the west lane of FM 2271 on both sides of the Lake Belton Dam. Lesleigh Arianne Bittner, age 33 of Belton; Authorities believe the drugs may have come from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. Mexican suppliers are especially responsible for most heroin and methamphetamine production, while cocaine is more often made in Colombia than transported to the U.S. via Mexican criminal organizations. Ashley Nicole Sutton, age 31 of Belton; Our officers for the McLennan County Sheriffs Office, Waco PD, DPS and other agencies are out there working around the clock overtime to protect them and get these kinds of drugs off the streets, out of the hands of the bad guys, and lock up the perpetrators, said McNamara. AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Eleven alleged drug traffickers have been arrested and charged in Amarillo, announced U.S. attorney for the . For overdose and related medical emergencies please dial 911. Angela Loy, age 32 of Temple; The 34-year-old singer was found dead in his bathtub in November 2022. India News | Press Trust of India | Wednesday December 21, 2022. In 2019, DEA fentanyl seizures reached a record high since 2015, with DEA record seizures totaling 3,138 kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl-related compounds.1 As a result of the opioid epidemic, the use of heroin and fentanyl has significantly increased. "No doubt, this got his attention. During the stop, a search of the vehicle was conducted. In January 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administrations Dallas division reported the largest methamphetamine and heroin seizure in the branchs history. The Drug Enforcement Administration announced the largest methamphetamine bust in North Texas history last week: 1,900 pounds in big grey bricks stowed in the false . "They were like sausage links. The amount of drugs seized was so large, a hazmat crew from the Houston Police Department were called in to assist.4, Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations conducted what they claimed to be the largest meth seizure in Houstons history. The remaining defendants face between five years and 40 years in federal prison if convicted because the quantity level charged is at least 50 grams. According to new data provided by the Texas DPS on Thursday, Operation Lone Star has seized 160 pounds of fentanyl within its targeted area. Corporate Headquarters: Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting these cases. Timothy Neal Nyquist, age 36 of Temple; and Aaron Carter's mother has released graphic photos from the scene of his death as a ploy to motivate law enforcement to investigate the incident further. Otay Mesa CBP Officers Intercept Deadly Drugs Worth More Than $15 Million. The first indictment charges 16 Central Texans with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. (KWTX) - Federal agents swept through Central Texas on Thursday and Friday and arrested 15 area residents named in sealed drug trafficking and firearms indictments, the U.S. Attorney's Office . Ryan Howard, spokesman for DPS. If convicted, Oliphint faces up to 20 years in federal prison. November 11, 2021 / 11:37 AM / CBS Texas NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) A variety of methamphetamine drugs, valued at some $16,000,000, was seized during several multi-agency North Texas drug busts . The second indictment charges 35-year-old Cory Joe Barton of Gatesville with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance with the arrests. A seizure like this, he most likely got a phone call," Chavez said. Lewis is accused of possessing a .380 caliber pistol on December 21, 2021. The DEA said more than 1,930 pounds of meth were found stuffed into 663 packages in a hidden compartment of an 18-wheeler off Interstate 35 in Denton County. FORT WORTH, Texas Tarrant County authorities have seized more than 1,400 pounds of liquid methamphetamine over the last five weeks, an estimated street value totaling $16 million, officials . Annie Rose Lewis of Temple, 31, was also named in an indictment charging one count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm that alleges she possessed a .380 caliber pistol on Dec. 21, 2020 after she was convicted in 2011 in federal court of manufacturing counterfeit currency. During a traffic stop involving a refrigerated tractor-trailer, law enforcement found 1,950 pounds of drugs (worth about $45 million), making it the biggest methamphetamine seizure in North Texas. The agencies within the TAG came together and worked together and were able to find these drugs and get them off the street so McLennan County did great here also working in conjunction with the TAG, and so were just thankful for the work that they did to remove these drugs from getting in childrens hands, or anybody elses hands., Sheriff McNamara said the estimated street value of the methamphetamine seized is in excess of $530,000. To illustrate the impact of drug trafficking on the opioid epidemic and drug addiction in the U.S., were sharing the biggest drug busts in Texas this year. Four other conspirators were taken into custody last week including: Amado Pedro Castillo, 59, Brooklyn, New York, Fernando Alcides Lopez-Mendez, 37, Los Angeles, CA, Justino Cruz-Victorio, 34, Joshua Tree, CA. U.S. Drugs Texas DEA Crime. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Trisha Ann Sanchez, age 40 of Temple. 5:18 PM on Jun 11, 2021 CDT. The haul was so big that other agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Houston; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston; Harris County Constables Office Precinct 1; Harris County Constables Office Precinct 3; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Fire Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the Houston Police Department participated in the operation.5. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. According to this CBS News report, law enforcement officials busted the perps with nearly 375,000 marijuana plants, plus over 30,000 pounds of weed that was already harvested. The female driver was identified as Shauna Madrid, 36, from Roswell, New Mexico. Seattle A series of arrests over the last ten days has disrupted a multi-state methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution ring. of Public Safety. McNamara said it was a team effort, and had a message for the citizens of McLennan County. The group is accused of conspiring to distribute multiple kilograms of methamphetamine in Bell County and surrounding areas since January 2020. The drugs were coming up from California and were being distributed in King, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Mason and Kitsap counties.
