The DEA has seized a record 20 million fentanyl pills nationwide this year, including more than 9.5 million in Arizona alone. Officials are still not naming the people arrested in case this hinders future drug busts. Updated: Jun 22, 2021 / 11:41 AM . Tulare County Sheriff's Office via AP, File. 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. 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. 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. Authorities arrested Guthrie last night. Posted on March 2, 2023 by Constitutional Nobody. Seattle A series of arrests over the last ten days has disrupted a multi-state methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution ring. Corporate Headquarters: On Wednesday, January 27, 20 packages containing 51.49 pounds of cocaine discovered were also found in a tractor manifesting a shipment of kitchen cabinets coming in from Mexico. While officials would not confirm how many people were arrested, they did say they believe the narcotics are from a cartel. Defendant Healer engaged in an armed stand-off with law enforcement today. A total of 50 people were arrested following one of the largest drug busts in south Texas in recent years, according to Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery and Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of . Todays successful operation should give members of the community a level of comfort in knowing these violent offenders, who live and walk among us, wont be putting their lives in danger any longer., These warrants represent the continued efforts of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) to ensure the safety of our communities, said IRS:CI acting Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes. The Texas-Mexico border has been a hub for drug trafficking for years. "[This] city-wide, cooperative law enforcement efforts to disrupt the methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking in our city was a tremendous success," Chavez said at the time. During the investigation that led to the indictments, authorities seized about four kilograms of cocaine, seven kilograms of methamphetamine, and a half dozen firearms. During the January 5 bust led by the DEA Amarillo office, more than 25 guns were also seized. 27, law enforcement officers with the Drug Enforcement Agency, Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety, Brady . Banyan Texas is a rehab center in Waelder that offers various levels of substance abuse treatment to help people who are suffering from drug addictions and want to recover their sobriety. "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. The group is accused of conspiring to distribute multiple kilograms of methamphetamine in Bell County and surrounding areas since January 2020. More than $45 million of methamphetamine has been seized in a drug bust in Texas. Cocaine, Meth, & Firearm Drug Bust in Dallas. 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. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The haul was the largest meth bust in North Texas's history. Heroin is one of the many opioids that have contributed to the increasing rate of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Because Texas is on the Mexican border, drug trafficking in the state is, unfortunately, very common. If convicted, Barton faces btween 10 years and life in federal prison. "They were like sausage links. In the home, law enforcement found five gallon-sized plastic bags filled with drugs, which were stashed in the master bedroom along with other smaller-sized plastic baggies of assorted colors. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This story has been shared 144,036 times. Denison police make largest drug bust ever. Law enforcement officers arrested Abel Chavez, Allen Roberts, and Marvin Keith on drug charges after the months-long operation resulted in the seizure of about 38.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 ounces of marijuana, nearly $18,000 in suspected drug proceeds, a Glock pistol, and an AR-15 style weapon, the sheriff said. 54 Individuals Indicted for Roles in Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine "Dangerous drugs have devastated too many communities throughout our state and claimed too many lives," said Attorney General James.. "As New Yorkers and Americans across the country witnessed the greatest number of drug overdose deaths in history in 2020, the defendants here were allegedly . BRADY, TX - U.S. A man named Hector Manuel Castro-Quirino, 47, and his girlfriend Vanesa Ann Cervantes, 38, were residents of the two-bedroom home. The FBI, Temple Police Department, Killeen Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics Division and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted this investigation. Drug Seizure Statistics FY2023. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. If convicted, Oliphint faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The indictments were unsealed Friday, April 16, 2021, in Waco. There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in seven shipping containers late Monday night, officials said. 0:55. BRADY, TX - Nearly 30 people were arrested in Brady Friday morning during a drug trafficking sting operation led by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The White House did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment on the matter. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Suite 115 The bust was made Wednesday, June 8, at a home on Park Avenue in South Waco. An official website of the United States government. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A major drug bust at a home in Northwest Jacksonville led to the arrests of six people and the seizure of 9 kilograms of cocaine, authorities said. Lock One additional defendant was arrested today with 2 pounds of methamphetamine, three rifles, and a shotgun. 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 $1.6 million were found in cash stashed in tube socks, shoe boxes, and a large trash bag.2 This is one of the hundreds of cocaine and meth busts that demonstrate how serious drug trafficking is and the role it plays in drug use, addiction, and the increasing need for drug addiction treatment. 02-23-2023 | Local Media Release. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 200 pounds of illegal drugs and arrested 23 fugitives last week. Cory Joe Barton, 35, of Gatesville was named in a separate indictment charging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine that alleges he possessed at least 500 grams of meth on Nov. 11, 2020. February 26 . LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas There was a major methamphetamine bust in Liberty County overnight, and the sheriff's office there believes it might be the biggest one ever in the county's history . Posted: Jun 21, 2021 / 04:36 PM MDT. Authorities arrested Oliphint yesterday. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance with the arrests. Roberts and Keith are both accused of distributing drugs in the Bellmead area. 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. It is between 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. During this investigation authorities seized approximately four kilograms of cocaine, approximately seven kilograms of methamphetaine and a half a dozen firearms. According to records filed in the case, the investigation began in February 2020. Read More. A seizure like this, he most likely got a phone call," Chavez said. Young, unsuspecting Texans are buying drugs that are laced with fentanyl. India News | Press Trust of India | Wednesday December 21, 2022. Packages containing 114 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge. In January 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administrations Dallas division reported the largest methamphetamine and heroin seizure in the branchs history. Well, in addition to the people coming across the border, there is something else crossing the border. It was recently . Carlos Avila, age 38 of Buckholts; 950 N Federal Highway Jose Gutierrez, Crigger and Lewis were already in custody prior to yesterday. According to KNEL, on Apr. As of 15 December 2021 the Drug Seizures dashboard now includes seizures of all drug types. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop the widespread harm these illicit substances cause our friends, families, and neighbors.. "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 / 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 . Authorities believe the drugs may have come from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. During a search of the residence where Iris Amador-Garcia was living with her brother and co-conspirator, Mario Amador-Garcia, 31, and co-conspirator, Bayron Eberto Garcia-Perez, 33, agents seized a kilogram of fentanyl or heroin, 80,000 pills of suspected fentanyl, and 2 firearms. "No doubt, this got his attention. Pompano Beach, FL 33062. 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. A second mate and a crew member have been arrested in the massive bust. After the tractor was referred to a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, 43 packages containing 113.89 pounds of cocaine were found in the trailer. Trisha Ann Sanchez, age 40 of Temple. Lori Oliphint, 43, of Temple was named in an indictment charging possession with intent to distribute less than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The female driver was identified as Shauna Madrid, 36, from Roswell, New Mexico. "At this point, we want to not give up those opportunities because when we come, we'd like for it to be a surprise.". Bobby Quinton Gentile, age 43 of Holland; It happened this week at . I dont remember this amount of meth being taken before, its a huge amount.. 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 . "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. According to the indictment, Guthrie was convicted on March 27, 2020, in Bell County, for possession of a controlled substance less than one gram and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Traffic stop leads to major drug bust in Cibola County by: KRQE Staff. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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 . (KELO) -A major drug bust Tuesday night in Sioux Falls involving potentially dozens of deadly doses of fentanyl. This federal grand jury indictment charges 35-year-old Cory Joe Barton of Gatesville with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The CPS said that the cocaine has an estimated street value of $878,220. Colton Lane Lewis, age 30 of Temple; 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. Barton was previously arrested. All the suspects were charged with drug crimes, with most in connection to a wide-scale trafficking ring in Leon and Gadsden counties. 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. If convicted, Lewis faces up to 10 years in federal prison. 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. So glad to get that off the street.. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. The 2012 Freightliner tractor and shipment was also referred for a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, where one package containing 17.85 pounds of methamphetamine worth an estimated $357,145 was found. Barton, who was arrested earlier, faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted. SAN ANTONIO - Three people are in custody and are expected to face federal charges following a drug bust on the North Side, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Chavezs bond was set at $50,000 and and he bonded out on June 9, 2022. 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. Lewis has a 2011 federal conviction for manufacturing counterfeit currency. The Delhi Police on Wednesday destroyed over 2,800 kgs of . Updated: Jan. 6, 2021 at 1:53 PM PST. 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. 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. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! The first indictment charges 16 Central Texans with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The original bust took place on May 3, 2021. 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. According to new data provided by the Texas DPS on Thursday, Operation Lone Star has seized 160 pounds of fentanyl within its targeted area. AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Eleven alleged drug traffickers have been arrested and charged in Amarillo, announced U.S. attorney for the . 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. An indictment should not be considered evidence of guilty. The men are currently being held on $250,000 bonds each. 5:18 PM on Jun 11, 2021 CDT. 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.. 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). 0:00. 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. 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. Wesley Warrick, age 50 of Cameron; In Bastrop County, fewer than 10 people died from drug overdoses both in 2019 and 2021, according to state health figures. Officials say after getting a search warrant some 393 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine was found inside. This federal grand jury indictment charges 21-year-old Kayli Marie Guthrie of Temple with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Diggs and C. Andrew Colasurdo. For overdose and related medical emergencies please dial 911. Authorities believe the drugs may have come from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. These arrests are a significant step for community safety.. This federal grand jury indictment charges the following defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Anthony Gutierrez, aka Cuzzo, age 34 of San Juan; "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. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired since January 2020 to distribute multiple kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in Bell County and surrounding areas. Ryan Howard, spokesman for DPS. The third federal indictment charges 43-year-old Lori Oliphint of Temple with intent to distribute under 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 19, 2020. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The first big drug bust was July 8 at the Paso del Norte . All complaints and concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations. Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. They are buying a death sentence, Abbott said. Major Susan Cotter (@HCSO_Patrol) September 1, 2021 This is no Tenaha PD joke-of-a-bust . 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. During the stop, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Volusia County Sheriff's Office (WKMG 2021) VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Sixteen people were arrested over a couple of days in a series of drug busts that resulted in fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine . This federal grand jury indictment charges 43-year-old Lori Oliphint of Temple with possession with intent to distribute under 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 19, 2020. Earlier this month, the DEA arrested 11 alleged traffickers in Amarillo, Texas, on suspicion of conspiring to deal hundreds of grams of meth and cocaine. barn conversion for sale near chepstow,