Lewis is accused of possessing a .380 caliber pistol on December 21, 2021. This is a highly addictive drug that can lead to mental illness, increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and more. The seizure took place on October 8, but the DEA is only now sharing the details. 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 drugs are estimated to have a street value of $397,120. 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. While officials would not confirm how many people were arrested, they did say they believe the narcotics are from a cartel. Sarah Elizabeth Crigger, age 30 of Nolanville; There were 16.5 tons of the drug found in seven shipping containers late Monday night, officials said. Twenty Central Texans are facing federal drug trafficking and firearms charges stemming from five separate, but related, federal grand jury indictments. Ryan Howard, spokesman for DPS. The most recent tally shows they found 6,000 pounds of meth, increasing the street value to about $1 million. During the initial roundup, the Drug Enforcement Agency were able to arrest over 15 people for . Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting these cases. 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. The first big drug bust was July 8 at the Paso del Norte . Twenty central Texas residents face federal drug trafficking and firearms charges stemming from five separate, but related, federal grand jury indictments unsealed today in Waco, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw; Temple Police Chief Shawn Reynolds; Killeen Police Chief Charles Kimble; and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division. If you know someone whos addicted to this drug, we offer heroin detox and addiction treatment at Banyan Treatment Centers Texas that can help. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. 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. 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. 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. One additional defendant was arrested today with 2 pounds of methamphetamine, three rifles, and a shotgun. Jose Francisco Gutierrez, age 33 of Killeen; 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. Lesleigh Arianne Bittner, age 33 of Belton; If convicted, Lewis faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The DEA said the amount seized in Dallas equated to 20 percent of all the meth found in 2020. 0:00. Thirteen people were arrested Thursday and more than $1 million were seized in a major drug bust that stretched from Athens to Atlanta. The others were arrested over the past two days. Well, in addition to the people coming across the border, there is something else crossing the border. 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. 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. Wesley Warrick, age 50 of Cameron; 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. bust in U.S. history, finding more than 5,528 pounds of the drug . "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. 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. 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 . Tulare County Sheriff's Office via AP, File. A seizure like this, he most likely got a phone call," Chavez said. If convicted, Oliphint faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Trisha Ann Sanchez, age 40 of Temple. It was at that location where officials say they found more than 190 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine, and nearly 60 kilograms of crystal meth. Authorities arrested Guthrie last night. As of 15 December 2021 the Drug Seizures dashboard now includes seizures of all drug types. The original bust took place on May 3, 2021. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name. Authorities arrested Oliphint yesterday. It happened this week at . DPS and HPD bust suspected drug lab in NW Houston . CBS News Texas: Free 24/7 News . Joe David Beck, age 50 of Temple; The DEA has seized a record 20 million fentanyl pills nationwide this year, including more than 9.5 million in Arizona alone. In May 2021, authorities seized 1,789 pounds of meth in north Houston, as well as large quantities of other narcotics, during an investigation near North Shepherd and I-45 in north Houston. These smaller bags wouldve been used for drug distribution. That's more than 16 tons of chronic. During the stop, a search of the vehicle was conducted. 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. (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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Anthony Gutierrez, aka Cuzzo, age 34 of San Juan, Jose Francisco Gutierrez, age 33 of Killeen, Sarah Elizabeth Crigger, age 30 of Nolanville, Lesleigh Arianne Bittner, age 33 of Belton. Sign up and receive email updates on the latest news, events, and more! If convicted, Barton faces btween 10 years and life in federal prison. 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. 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. A major drug bust occurred in Eastland County. If convicted, Oliphint faces up to 20 years in federal prison. 2021 / 8:48 AM / CBS Texas . In a recent drug bust in Texas, federal and local law enforcement recovered more than a . Chavezs bond was set at $50,000 and and he bonded out on June 9, 2022. The female driver was identified as Shauna Madrid, 36, from Roswell, New Mexico. Roberts and Keith are both accused of distributing drugs in the Bellmead area. Posted on March 2, 2023 by Constitutional Nobody. The U.S. Attorney's Office said both amounts would be the largest seizures of either drug in the U.S. in both 2020 or 2021. . But then they got word it had started again. 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. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) A big drug bust on San Antonio's North side. The 32 kilos of narcotics seized have a street value of $2 million, police said. Corporate Headquarters: 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Agents swarmed a house at around 7 a.m. Thursday on FM 2271 just north of the Miller Springs Nature Center on the edge of Lake Belton in Temple, as part of the enforcement action. An official website of the United States government. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Albert Lee, also known as "Mook," 32, of Pawtucket, R.I., was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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 . 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. "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. The seizure totaled out to $3.4 million of meth. Kimberly Lee, age 26 of Gatesville; Lewis has a 2011 federal conviction for manufacturing counterfeit currency. 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. Drug Bust. Copyright 2022 KWTX. 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. Later that evening, officers encountered a daily express consignment truck hauling a shipment of vinyl samples arriving from Mexico. While the problem began to emerge in 2020, during which the states Department of Public Safety seized 11 pounds of fentanyl, it exploded in the first four months of 2021, Abbott explained. 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. Young, unsuspecting Texans are buying drugs that are laced with fentanyl. The Delhi Police on Wednesday destroyed over 2,800 kgs of . Both were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony. Note: Internet Explorer has problems displaying the following charts. These arrests are a significant step for community safety.. 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. Members of the ring tried to trade drugs for firearms ones they could transport to Mexico contributing to terrible violence south of the border. BRADY, TX - Nearly 30 people were arrested in Brady Friday morning during a drug trafficking sting operation led by the Drug Enforcement Agency. . 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 . The DEA and our partners are focused on the most dangerous criminals in Washington. (210) 384-7257 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.. On Feb. 16 around 2:15 p.m. a DPS trooper stopped a 2021 . The indictment alleges that on December 21, 2020, Lewis possessed a .380 caliber pistol. By Dave Huddleston, WSB-TV November 19, 2021 at 7:22 pm EST. In total, more than 1,930 pounds of meth stuffed into 663 packages were pulled from the vehicle. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. February 26 . An indictment should not be considered evidence of guilty. Authorities believe the drugs may have come from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP . I dont remember this amount of meth being taken before, its a huge amount.. Operation No Warning began in June 2020, according to FDLE . Another 44 pounds of meth were seized in a stop on April 2, 2021, and 83 pounds of methamphetamine and 20,000 fentanyl pills were seized in a traffic stop on September 28, 2021. Today's takedown marks the latest major drug bust in the OAG's Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (SURGE) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York's growing and often violent heroin, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. 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. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. Drug Seizure Statistics FY2023. The 34-year-old singer was found dead in his bathtub in November 2022. 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. Ashley Nicole Sutton, age 31 of Belton; More than $45 million of methamphetamine has been seized in a drug bust in Texas. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop the widespread harm these illicit substances cause our friends, families, and neighbors.. Carter's body was discovered by his housekeeper. 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. "I see a lot of lives saved when we can stack up kilograms of drugs like this on a table," Chavez said. 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. On March 27, 2020, Guthrie was convicted in Bell County for possession of a controlled substance less than one gram and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to court documents. Packages containing 114 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge. 0:55. That opens up large gaps of tens, or sometimes hundreds of miles, where the drug cartels have the ability to get fentanyl across the border.. The drugs were coming up from California and were being distributed in King, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Mason and Kitsap counties. The second indictment charges 35-year-old Cory Joe Barton of Gatesville with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Speaking to reporters at a presser Thursday, Gov. The indictment alleges that on May 21, 2020, Guthrie was in possession of a Colt .45 caliber handgun. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance with the arrests. In the fourth federal grand jury indictment, 21-year-old Kayli Marie Guthrie of Temple is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal, state and local officials held a news conference in Punxsutawney Tuesday to announce charges against several area residents allegedly connected . . Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. The operation was conducted by members of the McLennan County Sheriffs Office Organized Crime Unit, the sheriffs offices SWAT, and the Waco Police Departments Drug Enforcement Unit, along with the Texas Dept. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said its Dallas division made the biggest . The separate but related investigations were conducted by the FBI, Temple Police Department, Killeen Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics Division and Drug Enforcement Agency. Sheriff Javier . Aleah Freitag, age 29 of Rockdale; This afternoon he was taken into custody at his Port Orchard residence without incident. Jose Gutierrez, Crigger and Lewis were already in custody prior to yesterday. 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. 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. "One pill one time can kill," Oz said, noting that the US had . 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 . 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. During the investigation that led to the indictments, authorities seized about four kilograms of cocaine, seven kilograms of methamphetamine, and a half dozen firearms. 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.