HOUSTON 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 the Drug Enforcement Administration. Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. 16 . Attorneys Christine Lu, Sherin Daniel and Leo J. Leo III are prosecuting the case. Because Texas is on the Mexican border, drug trafficking in the state is, unfortunately, very common. More than $45 million of methamphetamine has been seized in a drug bust in Texas. LockA locked padlock Chavez is charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance (penalty group 1) over 400 grams, a first-degree felony. DEA: 19 arrested in multi-agency drug raid in South Texas 1 year 6 months 3 weeks ago Wednesday, September 15 2021 Sep 15, 2021 September 15, 2021 3:02 PM September 15, 2021 in News - Local. Like all defendants, Mr. Castro-Quirino and Ms. Cervantes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. More than 107,000, people died of drug overdoses in the U.S. from August 2021 to August 2022, . P region of the country in recent years. I commend this multi-agency effort involving law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, said Lowery. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justices OCDETF webpage. Almost all of our crime is connected to drug trafficking, the Sheriff said during the news conference. 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.. As part of his plea, Montes admitted to being involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamines, which spanned from March 1, 2021, through Oct. 22, 2021. If you know someone whos addicted to this drug, we offer heroin detox and addiction treatment at Banyan Treatment Centers Texas that can help. Impact in Texas. The suspects were allegedly involved in drug trafficking and other related activities in the Houston and Galveston areas. The charges remain sealed as to those charged but not as yet in custody. Oliphint, who was arrested Thursday, faces as much as 20 years in prison if convicted. The agents also arrested Hector Manuel Castro-Quirino, 47, and his girlfriend Vanesa Ann Cervantes, 38. . Ryan Howard, spokesman for DPS. Lubbock:806-472-7351 Palinkas . CLAY COUNTY, Fla. The Clay County Sheriff's Office said Thursday 44 people are behind bars following a massive drug bust. Guptas announcement marks the first time a presidential administration has formally labeled an illicit drug an emerging threat and then required the federal government to take further action a legal authority it gained under the SUPPORT Act, a sweeping bill signed into law by former President Donald Trump in 2018. On Tuesday, deputies said they recovered a little more than 134 pounds of methamphetamine, a little under three pounds of marijuana, one semi-automatic shotgun, and three handguns. The others face between five years and 40 years in federal prison if convicted because the quantity level charged is at least 50 grams. 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. Research has shown that opioids like fentanyl are increasingly combined with xylazine and sold on the illicit drug market, according to the National Institutes of Health. Lori Oliphint, 43, of Temple was named in an indictment charging possession with intent to distribute less than 50 grams of methamphetamine. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Calvin Bond, an investigator with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office said the seizures had all the markings of a cartel operation, which targets areas like Dallas-Fort Worth for its highway systems and proximity to Mexico. The declaration from Dr. Rahul Gupta, the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, requires the Biden administration to develop a federal plan to address the crisis. The giant haul had been divided into 633 packages that were stashed in a hidden compartment, each of which would have been repackaged for distribution in Texas, Chicago, St. Louis, and Atlanta. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics said 42-year-old Ronnie Davis was the . SAN ANTONIO - Six people are in custody following a drug bust in east Bexar County earlier this week, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Its the largest, that Im aware of, methamphetamine bust, McNamara said during a press conference Monday. The others were arrested over the past two days. Details of the investigation, which started in October 2020, were revealed in court records filed this week that included an indictment charging four people with involvement in a drug ring that . By comparison, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office earlier this year set a record with a 400-pound seizure of liquid meth. A huge pot bust in Johnston County has led to the arrest of dozens and authorities are still investigating. Celeb drug busts in 2016 : 20. As previously reported, on Apr. Washington Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine and Fentanyl to Cascade County, Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. Jeffery Friar. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. According to the charges, the crimes happened between Dec. 10, 2020, and Dec. 15, 2021. A trucker from Mexico was arrested after trying to smuggle record-breaking amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the U.S., federal prosecutors said. The charges allege the crimes occurred between Dec. 10, 2020, and Dec. 15, 2021. For the original story see: DEA Takes Down Major Drug Ring in . For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Have a question about Government Services? Two individuals were arrested and charged with Felony Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a . According to the 18th Judicial District . 68-year-old Benny Daneshjou of Austin. Marshals Service said Tuesday. 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. What Happens When You Mix Weed and Wellbutrin. Fentanyl-laced pills are a threat not only in Central Texas, but also across the country, said DEA spokesman Sammy Parks. Lock The men are currently being held on $250,000 bonds each. They also found drug ledgers containing customer and payment information, as well as 14 firearms, some of them loaded. "We're coming for you," the sheriff said. Biggest bust: More than $500K in meth off Central Texas streets, Authorities confirm remains found are those of missing Central Texas man, Woman, 19, accused of performing sexual act with dog on social media, Waco twins who allegedly sold heroin, meth to undercover agent indicted as habitual criminals, A decade ago: West saw huge support right after fertilizer plant explosion, Abbott volunteer firefighter killed while helping stranded motorist along I-35. Fax Line: 713-718-3300. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Please use another browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) to view. In case you aren't aware of exactly what fentanyl is, other than a word you keep hearing, it's a synthetic opioid. The Waco Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Unit has been around for a few years here in McLennan County, and since their existence theyve been constantly working to remove drugs out of the area and remove gang members, and make the city and the county a little bit safer, so this just part of the operation they did, said Sgt. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison. Stimulant abuse involving cocaine and meth has also remained high. 2023 Banyan Treatment Centers. Bond said officers serving search warrants on meth cases will sometimes find a home with no furniture, just liquid meth drying in containers on the floor. This collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies both locally and nationally shows our mission is unified in apprehending those that allegedly bring drugs, crime and unrest to our communities, said Comeaux. AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Eleven alleged drug traffickers have been arrested and charged in Amarillo, announced U.S. attorney for the . If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! Weapons and drugs seized in drug bust. of Public Safety. As the presidents drug policy adviser, I am deeply concerned about what this threat means for the nation, Gupta told reporters during a briefing call on Tuesday, later adding: We must act and act now.. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - A drug trafficking ring connected to the Sinaloa drug cartel was busted after an eight-month investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 110,000 fake prescription pills that were laced with fentanyl. All rights reserved. Both were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony. The sheriff's office, DEA, Fort Worth and Dallas police all helped in the investigation, said Waybourn, who warned drug dealers in North Texas. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Three men accused of selling guns illegally were arrested in an ATF takedown on Wednesday. We can help! 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. A variety of methamphetamine drugs, valued at some $16,000,000, was seized during several multi-agency drug . The indictment, returned Feb. 10, alleges the individuals engaged in a variety of fentanyl, cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana transactions. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. ATF and our partners remain committed to Chief Garcias plan to reduce violent crime in Dallas. Fortunately for the people of Dallas, their criminal escapades came to a crushing end last week. The indictment alleges the suspects engaged in a variety of fentanyl, cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana transactions. Adrug trafficker who left Dallas Galleria Mall laden with more than 2,000 fentanyl-laced pills was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison. Milgram said the DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 states. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. A Fort Worth father who conspired with his son to deal methamphetamine was sentenced Thursday to 40 years in federal prison. Corporate Headquarters: Sheriff's deputies executed a controlled substance search warrant at 6800 US Hwy 79 Henderson, Rusk County, Texas. This is a highly addictive drug that can lead to mental illness, increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and more. Charged via criminal complaint with drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute, they made their initial appearances in federal court on Friday. More than 17,500 pounds (7,930 kilograms) Drug and alcohol addiction is a nationwide epidemic, please reach out if you or a loved one is suffering. 27, law enforcement officers with the Drug Enforcement Agency, Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety, Brady Police Department and McCulloch County Sheriff's Office arrested the following suspects for first degree felony drug charges: Joe Castanuela. The latest Houston news, weather and sports from KPRC 2. Federal agents swept through Central Texas and arrested more than a dozen area residents named in sealed drug trafficking and firearms indictments. Thursday, May 13, 2021. . Far too often, gun and drugs are a lethal combination. All complaints and concerns are fully investigated by corporate compliance and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations. Jose Luis Ibarra-Valle has been in custody. An official website of the United States government. Those arrested in the Houston area are expected to make initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan in Houston beginning at 2 p.m. today. Example video title will go here for this video. By Tamlyn Cochran. The DEA issued an alert last month warning of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine., Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement March 20. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 107,735 people in America died from August 2021 to August 2022 from drug poisonings, with 66% of the deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. An apartment complex with twin buildings in one of Dallas' most crime-infested neighborhoods served as a major drug distribution hub that was both ruinous to the . 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. Below is a list of recent Texas drug busts that have seized record amounts of drugs. The most recent tally shows they found 6,000 pounds of meth, increasing the street value to about $1 million. 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Northern District of Texas MN News 'Approximately 45,000' fentanyl pills seized in southern MN drug bust. 2021 / 05:46 PM EST. Law enforcement officers seized nearly 40 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 ounces of marijuana, nearly $18,000 in suspected drug proceeds, a Glock pistol and an AR-15 style weapon. By 2021, that number had grown to 1,672. 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