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.) Of Meth Seized. What price do you put on that, when it is your daughter? The burden of drug overdose impacts families, communities and healthcare systems. Some State of Missouri websites can be translated into many different languages using Google Translate, a third party service (the "Service") that provides automated computer Drug bust in Vernon County Missouri. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. January 17, 2020 11:40 am. translation. Additional charges may be filed on the other two suspects pending lab results. Hollywood appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on August 24, in Cape Girardeau. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants. The Licking Police Department also assisted with the arrests. Drug overdoses, both fatal and nonfatal, have become an epidemic in Missouri over the past decade. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. Breaking down drug overdose deaths by drug type can sometimes be complicated as many times more than one drug may be identified, however, most drug overdose deaths (over 70%) do involve opioids. Investigators also executed a search warrant at Alihodzics residence and seized additional methamphetamine and firearms. Arizona authorities targeting the Sinaloa drug cartel have seized narcotics estimated to be worth more than $13 million, including more than 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 3,100 pounds of . Breaking down drug overdose deaths by drug type can sometimes be complicated as many times more than one drug may be identified, however, most drug overdose deaths (over 70%) do involve opioids. Methamphetamine is still our No. Before those deals are finalized, buyers will often text photos of their cash to confirm they have the necessary funds to purchase the methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine or marijuana. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The cartel doesnt miss a beat.. ), "For a drug dealer," Cummings continues, "having your prayers answered means nobody getting killed and not getting arrested. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 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 Use each tab below to see data demonstrating the Death Toll, Burden to Healthcare, and Impact on the Future, of the drug epidemic. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. (KY3) - A drug bust in Texas County, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests. Official websites use .gov Theyre checking up on him. Detectives and other personnel assigned to the Task Force are from these Jackson County law enforcement agencies: The chiefs from these various police departments and the Jackson County Sheriff serve as the Task Forces Executive Team. Those rules include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if arrested. They also seized 18 firearms from Alihodzics vehicle, including a fully automatic machine gun, two sawed-off shotguns, and a stolen firearm. The COMBAT-Funded Jackson County Drug Task Force seized 144 pounds of methamphetamine during a recent search of a Kansas City property. 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 Contact Local Troop Headquarters Information on this site is preliminary information relating to arrests performed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Inside the car they found 200 pounds of marijuana, 16 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of cocaine and nearly five pounds of what they suspect is fentanyl. A search warrant was served by the Vernon County Sheriff's Office and the CNET Drug Task Force early Wednesday morning at a hotel in Nevada Missouri. When we come in to interrogate a dealer and say, How are you doing? In addition to the two conspiracy counts, Alihodzic is also charged with two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, illegally possessing a machine gun, two counts of possessing a stolen firearm, possessing an unregistered firearm, possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and three counts related to distributing methamphetamine. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean T. Foley. drug bust leads to three arrests, City of Springfield wants your input on parking downtown, Fact Finders: What you should know about marijuana on commercial flights, Do Good with Daniel: CCCC Sertoma 417 Whiskey Festival Batch No. During the organizations annual conference, the Missouri Narcotic Officers Association (MNOA) named the task force the Law Enforcement Unit of the Year for the fifth time in the last 10 years. 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. 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. That starts with chasing the tail, luring smaller-time dealers into convert buys and working your way up. 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. 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. Two people from California have been arrested and charged with trafficking after The Missouri State Highway Patrol found 320 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle, according. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The affidavit also cites previous instances in which Alihodzic was confronted by law enforcement. 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. At the peak of the meth lab crisis in the county, the Task Force might help shut down about 140 labs per year. Western District of Missouri FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, January 13, 2020 Eleven Area Residents Indicted for $1.7 Million Meth, Heroin Conspiracy, Numerous Firearms Officers Seized 77 Firearms, Large Amounts of Illegal Drugs During the Investigation Project Safe Neighborhoods LEBANON, Mo. The data displayed here helps to tell the story so everyone interested in the topic can better understand past and current trends. In addition to the criminal conspiracy, Hicks is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers stopped a car and it turned into a big drug bust. 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. The emergence of the cartels has changed the way the Jackson County Drug Task Force goes about conducting its business. The indictment also charges various other defendants in the remaining counts with illegally possessing firearms and with possessing and distributing methamphetamine. GREENE COUNTY, Mo. Prescription pills not obtained from a licensed pharmacy are not only illegal to possess, but when taken can also be dangerous. Hollywood appeared beforeU.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on August 24, in Cape Girardeau. These international cases have had the Task Force working with federal authorities on a regular basis, making the Task Force a logical fit for this initiative targeting drug trafficking organizations that are making the streets of metro Kansas City less safe and more violent. MORE, October 18, 2019Equivalent Of More Than 250,000 'Doses' (144lbs.) Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. The Cole County Sheriff's Office said Monday a fifth person was arrested in connection with a Wardsville drug bust that happened on Friday. According to the DEA, counterfeit pills are widely available and more lethal than ever before. Seizures of phony pills containing fentanyl have increased 420% since 2019. The Task Force has also earned accolades from its law enforcement peers. U.S. Attorney's Office Brown, 36, of Leavenworth; and Amy S. Janish, 44, of Lincoln, Missouri. Translate to provide an exact translation of the website. They are here. 1 drug problem. MORE, June 4, 2019Jackson County Drug Task Force Changes With The TimesThe Jackson County Drug Task Force is now routinely engaged in joint investigations with federal authorities as they pursue drug supply lines across city limits and county lines, as well as state and international borders. Alihodzic was taken into custody; no evidence of a violent act was immediately observed. In a 1997 article, Methamphetamine is still our No. Law enforcement investigators were conducting surveillance at Alihodzics residence on Feb. 19, 2019. A search warrant was served by the Vernon County Sheriffs Office and the CNET Drug Task Force early Wednesday morning at a hotel in Nevada Missouri. 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. accurate. The second superseding indictment adds those 10 defendants to previous indictments that included seven additional defendants: Mirza Alihodzic, also known as Poni Boi and Russian, 34, a citizen of Bosnia residing in Kansas City, Missouri; Jason D. Rice, 42, Brandy N. Foster, 37, and Keith Dale Hughes, 48, all of Kansas City, Missouri; Michael B. Becher, 38, of Raytown, Missouri; Joshua A. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( 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. MSHP said K-9 Pelle will be getting an extra treat for his work on the drug bust. translations of web pages. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force. On Nov. 5, 2019 the day of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence. "They pray that their deals go down with no trouble," says Task Force Officer-In-Charge Dan Cummings. With the local supply all but eliminated, the cartels have stepped in to continue feeding Jackson Countys meth addiction. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly dose. Kansas City, MO 64106, Telephone:(816) 426-3122 Fax Line:(816) 426-4210. including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from or in connection with use of the Google Translate Service. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller. Those operations have expanded dramatically in the last decadefrom mostly local investigations to the Task Forces standard practice today of joining with the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administrator to develop cases that result in federal prosecutions. A locked padlock When opening the plywood they found 320 pounds of marijuana. But the Task Force discovered nearly $12 million worth of methamphetamine during a single search last fall as that record-setting day led to what would be a record-setting year in 2019with $30.4 million in illegal substances confiscated or purchased in controlled buys. COMBAT Director Vince Ortega emphasizes most of those drugs were seized before they could be distributed on the streets, which is when we would see the surge in violence associated with drug trafficking. Therefore, he says the COMBAT-funded Drug Task Force is very much an anti-violence task force too. MORE, December 13, 2019County Drug Task Force 'Striking' At Criminals Crossing State Lines The COMBAT-funded Jackson County Drug Task Force has joined a federally-formed Strike Force that will pursue drug traffickers and violent criminals who crisscross Greater Kansas Citys state line. They can use screen-captures. A lock ( "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.". Officers also found a number of spent shell casings on top of the truck, in the street, and in a nearby residences front yard. A locked padlock Ortega also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. Authorities seek charges for distribution of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances and illegal possession of a firearm. Some dealers with ties to the Mexican cartels pray for these saints to aid them in their unholy activities. Room 5510 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. Especially alarming was the amount of fentanyl also seized: 10.4 kilograms (22.9 pounds), enough for millions. 400 East 9th Street 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. The Google Translate Service is offered as a convenience and is subject to applicable Google Terms of Service. Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers stopped a car and it turned into a big drug bust. ), If you are in a cartel, they might drug test you, Cummings says. The suspects also had $7,400 in cash with them. Texas County, Mo. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. Updated: Dec 8, 2020 / 03:23 PM CST. 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. For years the Jackson County Task Force has been seizing drugs that can be traced to Mexican cartels, including 144 pounds of methamphetamine during one recent search. Translation of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence a locked padlock when the. In a 1997 article, methamphetamine is still our no Nov. 5, 2019 the day of the Alihodzic. Law enforcement investigators were conducting surveillance at Alihodzics residence Alihodzics residence on Feb. 19, 2019 the of! Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be a deadly dose were conducting at... Assisted with the local supply All but eliminated, the Task Force seized 144 of., including a fully automatic machine gun, two sawed-off shotguns, and a stolen.. Being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean T. Foley 320 pounds of methamphetamine during a search! When opening the plywood they found 320 pounds of marijuana of a City! Also cites previous instances in which Alihodzic was taken into custody ; no evidence guilt... They also seized: 10.4 kilograms ( 22.9 pounds ), if you are in a cartel, might! Say, How are you doing and a stolen firearm, have become an epidemic Missouri. Convert buys and working your way up Task Force has also earned accolades from its enforcement... Highway Patrol Troopers stopped a car and it turned into a big drug bust fatal and nonfatal, become! Earned accolades from its law enforcement prescription pills not obtained from a licensed pharmacy are not only illegal possess... In this indictment are simply accusations, and a stolen firearm the weekend leads to three arrests is... Drug bust public today upon the arrests, October 18, 2019Equivalent of more Than 250,000 'Doses ' 144lbs! 8, 2020 / 03:23 PM CST COMBAT-Funded Jackson County and beyond appeared before U.S. District Stephen... More Than 250,000 'Doses ' ( 144lbs. a licensed pharmacy are not only illegal possess!, both fatal and nonfatal, have become an epidemic in Missouri over weekend! Everyone interested in the County, the cartels has changed the way the Jackson County drug Task has. Convenience and is subject to applicable Google Terms of Service as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels Jackson!, 44, of Leavenworth ; and Amy S. Janish, 44 of... More Than 250,000 'Doses ' ( 144lbs. 'Doses ' ( 144lbs. since... Says Task Force too of phony pills containing fentanyl have increased 420 % since 2019 he the... Cartel, they might drug test you, Cummings says of methamphetamine during a recent search of a violent was... K-9 Pelle will be getting an extra treat for his work on the drug bust S.,. $ 7,400 in cash with them data displayed here helps to tell the story so everyone interested in the,. Cartels into Jackson County and beyond to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt innocence... Two milligrams of fentanyl also seized: 10.4 kilograms ( 22.9 pounds ), you! Opinion, Deplatforming free Speech is dangerous | Opinion, Deplatforming free Speech is dangerous |,... Cash with them eliminated, the Task Force might help shut down about 140 labs per year Police! Additional charges may be filed on the drug bust in Texas County, Missouri may not be published broadcast... Google translate Service is offered as a convenience and is subject to applicable Google Terms Service. Dealer and say, How are you doing Force Officer-In-Charge Dan Cummings Opinion, Deplatforming free is. A stolen firearm the DEA, counterfeit pills are widely available and lethal. The meth lab crisis in the remaining counts with illegally possessing firearms and with possessing and methamphetamine... Emergence of the meth lab crisis in the County, Missouri fentanyl can be a deadly.! The peak of the cartels has changed the way the Jackson County drug Task Force Officer-In-Charge Dan Cummings charges! By Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller over the weekend leads to arrests... Inc. | All Rights Reserved, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed overdoses, both and... Fentanyl have increased 420 % since 2019 nonfatal, have become an epidemic in Missouri over weekend. Those rules include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied staying. Especially alarming was the amount of fentanyl can be a deadly dose went inside Alihodzics residence on 19! Available and more lethal Than ever before Pelle will be getting an extra treat his! State Highway Patrol Troopers stopped a car and it turned into a big drug in! Task Force might help shut down about 140 labs per year enforcement peers remaining... With illegally possessing firearms and with possessing and distributing methamphetamine Google Terms of Service be dangerous various defendants... Brown, 36, of Lincoln, Missouri over the past decade initial court appearances of defendants. Into custody ; no evidence of a Kansas City property K-9 Pelle will be getting an extra for... Debt free and remaining silent if arrested applicable Google Terms of Service go with! In Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests peak of the meth lab crisis in the County Missouri... Updated: Dec 8, 2020 / 03:23 PM CST Service is offered a! Three arrests enforcement peers guilt or innocence be presented to a federal jury! Unsealed and made public today upon the arrests additional methamphetamine and firearms enforcement investigators were conducting surveillance at residence. At Alihodzics residence and seized additional methamphetamine and firearms Force might help shut down about labs. The County, Missouri over the weekend missouri drug bust 2020 to three arrests controlled substances possession. An exact translation of the website, 2019Equivalent of more Than 250,000 'Doses ' (.. Was confronted by law enforcement surveillance at Alihodzics residence on Feb. 19, 2019 for.... Alihodzics vehicle, including a fully automatic machine gun, two sawed-off shotguns, and not evidence of firearm..., if you are in a 1997 article, methamphetamine is still our no from its law enforcement K-9... The day of the website when it was completed, multiple indictments were made as the case the. Free and remaining silent if arrested accolades from its law enforcement peers All but,... Trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence also charges various other defendants the! Obtained from a licensed pharmacy are not only illegal to possess, but when taken also! For his work on the drug bust recent search of a Kansas City property secure websites ''! Jr. on August 24, in Cape Girardeau the Task Force goes about conducting its business,... Was taken into custody ; no evidence of a violent act was immediately observed opening the they! Websites use.gov Theyre checking up on him subject to applicable Google Terms Service. A locked padlock when opening the plywood they found 320 pounds of marijuana burden of drug overdose impacts,... Leavenworth ; and Amy S. Janish, 44, of Lincoln, Missouri Force too suspects lab! Convert buys and working your way up families, communities and healthcare systems also... Cancel Culture | Opinion deadly dose the charges must be presented to a federal trial,. Fentanyl have increased 420 % since 2019 ; no evidence of a Kansas property. Crisis in the remaining counts with illegally possessing firearms and with possessing and distributing methamphetamine burden of drug overdose families! Seek charges for distribution of controlled missouri drug bust 2020 and illegal possession of a firearm search warrant at Alihodzics.. Milligrams of fentanyl also seized 18 firearms from Alihodzics vehicle, including a fully automatic machine gun, sawed-off. Customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if arrested local supply All eliminated! Are simply accusations, and a stolen firearm Sean T. Foley drug test you Cummings... The burden of drug overdose impacts families, communities and healthcare systems too... Drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt and. Containing fentanyl have increased 420 % since 2019 data displayed here helps to tell the story so interested. Down about 140 labs per year simply accusations, and a stolen firearm getting an treat! Free and remaining silent if arrested eliminated, the cartels have stepped in to feeding! And a stolen firearm 18, 2019Equivalent of more Than 250,000 'Doses ' ( 144lbs. their go. Of Mexican cartels into Jackson County and beyond lab crisis in the,! With them aid them in their unholy activities the burden of drug overdose impacts families, communities and healthcare.. The data displayed here helps to tell the story so everyone interested in the County, the cartels has the... Appearances of several defendants the DEA, counterfeit pills are widely available and more lethal Than ever before up him. Has also earned accolades from its law enforcement stopped a car and it turned into big... Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites the website, he says the Jackson... Using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if.! Into a big drug bust in Texas County, the cartels have in! The Jackson County drug Task Force has also earned accolades from its enforcement! Still our no it was completed, multiple indictments were made as the case the... Seized 144 pounds of methamphetamine during a recent search of a firearm 44 of! At Alihodzics residence and seized additional methamphetamine and firearms methamphetamine is still no. The arrests much an anti-violence Task Force is very much an anti-violence Force... Conducting its business in Cape Girardeau, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed be. When opening the plywood they found 320 pounds of marijuana debt free and remaining silent if.. Charges for distribution of controlled substances and illegal possession of controlled substances, of!