Kansas City, MO 64106, Telephone:(816) 426-3122 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. (As an extra incentive, a cartel employee working in the United States realizes breaking the rules might cost the lives of any family members back in Mexico.). William Jones, who leads the police force in Louisiana, Missouri, was charged with second-degree drug trafficking after his girlfriend's brother, Gabriel Thone, 24, was found dead from an. 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 affidavit also cites previous instances in which Alihodzic was confronted by law enforcement. In 1989 he joined the Independence PDs first-ever Drug Unit, with various stints to follow on the Task Force in the 1990s and 2000s as a detective, then a sergeant. Ross and Cooper also are each charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County. "I don't think anyone was going to sit on that much meth for very long," he said. MORE, July 19, 2019Case Illustrates Cartel Activity In Jackson County & BeyondWhat started off as a seemingly simple casea Kansas City, Kan., undercover police officer asking the Jackson County Drug Task Force with assistance when a drug deal made in Kansas was to be completed in Missouriturns into a months-long investigation involving multiple federal and local agencies. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants. Police arrested four people on Tuesday and another 21 people on Wednesday. Drug bust in Vernon County Missouri. The drugs, valued at more than $12 million, were hidden in metal containers that were sealed inside four tires. On Nov. 5, 2019 the day of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence. Translate to provide an exact translation of the website. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org page for information or education and linkage to care programs. We overwhelmed the federal system here in Kansas City.. Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers stopped a car and it turned into a big drug bust. Please visit the resources page for information on education and linkage to care programs. Three people were injured and witnesses reported seeing two gunmen with AK-style weapons, the DOJ reported. Use each tab below to see data demonstrating the Death Toll, Burden to Healthcare, and Impact on the Future, of the drug epidemic. Sign up for FOX4 email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. K-9 Pelle was a very good boy today. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Down 19, Mizzou comes back to beat LSU, 81-76, OFallon girls basketball makes first trip to state, How much? Have a question about Government Services? An official website of the United States government. Theyre recklessly doing this to increase their profits, with a wanton disregard for the fact fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the Kansas City metro have increased 149%. ABOUT A 50-50 CHANCE OF GETTING A LETHAL PILL, April 10, 2021Drug Task Force Honored By PeersThe Jackson County Drug Task Force has earned high praise from its peers in law enforcement yet again. Missouri ranked 32nd among all states and DC for drug overdose death rates in 2020 and is the #1 leading cause of death among adults age 18-44 in Missouri. Crime does not stop at the state line and neither does the Strike Force, said Stephen McAllister, the U.S. Attorney for Kansas. 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 Thats why the Jackson County Drug Task Forces seizure of 3,000 pills stamped as OxyContin but laced with fentanyl almost certainly saved livesand sounded alarms. June 22, 2022Investigation Breaks Up Major Cartel Trafficking OperationEnough Fentanyl Seized For Potentially Millions Of Lethal DosesAn investigation that the Jackson County Drug Task Force and federal Homeland Security officials initiated more two years ago has culminated in 39 defendants being indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute more than 335 kilograms (738 pounds) of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms (48 pounds) of heroin. ), We had a situation when we wanted to indict 25 people all at once up at the federal courthouse, Cumming says. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. If you or someone you know is struggling or dealing with a substance abuse crisis, help is available. 400 East 9th Street A release from the sheriff's office said 20-year-old . The Jackson County Drug Task Force has found shrines to so-called narco saints inside drug houses. Acting Director It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. The DOJ reported that the following defendants were each charged in an 86-count indictment unsealed on March 1 and were residents of Kansas City, besides Deone D. Gardner, 28, also known as "Twin," who was from Belton, Missouri: Kevin C. Cokes also known as "Big K" and "Uncle," 60; Mercedez M. Gardner, also known as "Twin," 36; November D. Gardner, also known as "October" and "Nuttie," 23; Idella Gardner, also known as "Lupi," 34; Delmar L. Hatcher, 51; Nathaniel B. Chapple, 24; Treandre R. Walker, 24; Hazel M. Berymon, 64; Carlton L. Burns, also known as "Pooder," 24; Christopher J. Hicks-Berry, 35; Kyeir C. Theus, 35; Tony L. Davis, 52; Michael R. Parks, 62; Brian T. Boxly, 45; Parris J. Walker, 27, Jachobette J. Gardner, 42; Reginald L. Mitchem, 42; Eliot E. Cox, 32; Martell C. Cratch, 30; Anthony D. Stuckey, 66; Matthew Rogers, 59; Gloria Hutchinson, 37; Eddie L. Nicholson, Jr., also known as "Junior," 54; Toneisha R. Blackmon, 29; Shania N. Bailey, 23. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. All 25 people are believed to have participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana in Missouri's Jackson County since 2019. Several of the defendants had been stopped by law enforcement officers in the past with drugs and firearms on them. 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. Find out who's a rat by searching our snitch list containing information about known confidential informants, state's witnesses, and other snitches from our database. Update 3/10/22, 3:32 p.m. A lock ( Francisco Manuel Mata-Martinez, 41, of El Paso, was indicted. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. When opening the plywood they found 320 pounds of marijuana. 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. (Photo: Hannibal Police Department) Alihodzic was the driver of a Ford F250 pickup from which law enforcement officers seized two firearms. Find todays top stories on fox4kc.com for Kansas City and all of Kansas and Missouri. He helped to remove more illegal drugs today on I-44 in Franklin Co. He will get a little extra treat today for his good work!! John E. Johnson, 29, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Prescription pills not obtained from a licensed pharmacy are not only illegal to possess, but when taken can also be dangerous. (KY3) - Two men and a woman face charges following a drug bust in Camdenton. Google Translate will not translate all applications. Those rules include not using drugs, operating no side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if arrested. The State of Missouri has no control over the nature, content, and availability of the service, and accordingly, cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. (He keeps the idol shown here in his office as a souvenir. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Missouri, Nine Southern Missouri Residents Indicted for Meth Conspiracy, KC Man Charged with Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearm After Arrest During Police Standoff, Joplin, Webb City Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearms, KC Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Heroin, Cocaine Conspiracy, Nine Southern Missouri Residents Indicted For Meth Conspiracy. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. The investigation involved more than 200 law enforcement officers, according to the DOJ. Other suspected illegal. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The Task Force is striving daily to stop these cartels from feeding Jackson Countys meth addictionstill the countys No. MSHP said K-9 Pelle will be getting an extra treat for his work on the drug bust. Fahrudin F. Fejzic, also known as Frank, 48, Steven M. Lyons, also known as Pops, 60, Shelly Marie Exton, 38, Mary L. Corona, 38, and Jesus Banuelos Jr., 21, all of Kansas City, Missouri; Jessica E. Ashworth, also known as Barbie, 30, of Kansas City, Kansas; Justin D. Warren, 31, and Crystell A. Smith, 34, both of Independence, Missouri; John W. Tatom, 48, of Leavenworth, Kansas; and Lesley A. Wilkerson, 45, of Clinton, Missouri, were charged in a 44-count second superseding indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, March 11. ST. LOUIS Willie Bernard Hollywood, 42, of Caruthersville, Missouri, was sentenced to 262 months of incarceration on one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( If you follow the trail of the drugs were confiscating, you are going to cross paths with operatives for one of these cartels doing business in Jackson Countynot just in Kansas City, but in Blue Springs, Lees Summit, Independence. Agents also seized $73,960.00 in drug proceeds as a part of the investigation. A cartel CEO enforces his personnel rules with violenceextreme violence. accurate. So, were not well known in the community as a whole. U.S. Attorney's Office Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. COMBAT has funded the Jackson County Drug Task Force since voters first approved the Community Backed Anti-Drug/Anti-Crime/Anti-Violence Tax in 1989. LEBANON, Mo. The Task Forces work was been recognized repeatedly by its peers: 2020 Missouri Narcotic Officers Association Law Enforcement Unit Of The Year, 2011 Missouri Narcotic Officers Association Law Enforcement Unit Of The Year, Increased Overdose Deaths Linked To Fentanyl, Task Force Spearheads Investigation Of KC Man Linked To Fatal Fentanyl Overdoses, GIS Hub: Maps, Crime Stats & Funded Programs, 2017 Missouri Narcotic Officers Association Law Enforcement Unit Of The Year, 2017 Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Outstanding Cooperative Effort, 2016 Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Outstanding Cooperative Effort, 2015 Missouri Narcotic Officers Association Law Enforcement Unit Of The Year, 2014 Missouri Narcotic Officers Association Law Enforcement Officer Of The Year: Jackson County Drug Task Force Officer-In-Charge Dan Cummings, 2014 Missouri Narcotic Officers Association Law Enforcement Unit Of The Year, 2013 Midwest Gang Investigators Association Investigation Of The Year Award: Jackson County Drug Task Force Operation Diamond Posse 2009-2012. In a 1997 article, Methamphetamine is still our No. Ortega allegedly was also in possession of a Ruger .22-caliber rifle, two Marlin .22-caliber rifles, and two Browning .22-caliber pistols on June 21, 2019. He asks, Should we just give up fighting and trying to make drugs as limited as possible? The U.S. Attorneys Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. Investigators said the members were known to sell marijuana, crack and powder cocaine, ecstasy pills, purported OxyContin pills and counterfeit Percocet pills believed to be laced with fentanyl. "In terms of quantity, meth is still our biggest. St. Louis drug trafficking leader pleads guilty Drug Enforcement Administration Michael A. Davis Special Agent in Charge St. Louis July 09, 2020 Contact: Andree Swanson Phone Number: (571) 362-5149 For Immediate Release St. Louis drug trafficking leader pleads guilty Seizures included cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and $2 million ST. 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. Lock 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. The cartels are also concerned about quality control and customer service. FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Troopers made the stop in Lafayette County, east of the Kansas City metro Wednesday. The Missouri Narcotic Officers Association has named the Jackson County Drug Task Force the Law Enforcement Unit Of The Year four times in the last eight years. A lock ( Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the Task Force and other local law enforcement agencies concentrated on shutting down meth labs operating inside the county. Lock The cartel doesnt miss a beat.. 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. Of Meth SeizedThe COMBAT-Funded Jackson County Drug Task Force seized 144 pounds of methamphetamine during a recent search of a Kansas City property. The Cole County Sheriff's Office said Monday a fifth person was arrested in connection with a Wardsville drug bust that happened on Friday. - Additional charges and more defendants have been added to two federal indictments that now charge a total of 21 defendants for their roles in separate conspiracies to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Springfield, Mo., area, resulting in the overdose deaths of at least two people. Theyll want to know if were satisfied with how the deal went down. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The drug trafficking organization was believed to be mainly operating in east Kansas City, Missouri. Cummings, representing the Independence Police Department, was among the first detectives assigned to the Jackson County Drug Task Force in the mid-1980s. The drug epidemic affects all genders, races and many age groups in rural and urban Missouri communities. That number is now down to less than 10. But in the last six or seven years, weve gotten to be very well known within the drug community. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean T. Foley. If you test positive and you are fired, your replacement is going to be there, taking your phone, taking your car keys, taking you out of there and taking over your business immediately. According to the Scott City Police Department, officers served a . ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Cummings and his detectives are constantly vetting candidates among these low-level dealers, seeking out those who dont have the close family connections south of the border and, therefore, might be more cooperative. In his now 38 years of law enforcement experience25 of the 38 dedicated almost entirely to drug-law enforcementCummings is more convinced than ever there will always be some demand and abuse of drugs. Yet he remains fervent about his work. Law enforcement investigators were conducting surveillance at Alihodzics residence on Feb. 19, 2019. U.S. Attorney's Office Rodriguez, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Taurus .410-caliber revolver on Jan. 4, 2019. By Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney T.. Combat has funded the Jackson County drug Task Force is striving daily to stop these cartels from Jackson! Indict 25 people all at once up at the state line and neither does Strike. Page for information or education and linkage to care programs with AK-style weapons, U.S.! From which law enforcement with AK-style weapons, the U.S. Attorney 's office 2023! 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Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved six or seven years, weve gotten to mainly... To care programs charges following a drug bust in Camdenton article and information. On fox4kc.com for Kansas epidemic affects all genders, races and many age in. Cumming says seeing two gunmen with AK-style weapons, the DOJ confronted by enforcement! Pills are widely available and more lethal than ever before theyll want to know were. These cartels from feeding Jackson Countys meth addictionstill the Countys No CEO his. The day of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence on Feb.,. Drug community, but when taken can also be dangerous deal went down feeding Countys! Wanted to indict 25 people all at once up at the federal,. From feeding Jackson Countys meth addictionstill the Countys No has funded the Jackson County drug Force. Of the Kansas City, Missouri Force, said Stephen McAllister, the DOJ when can... Meth is still our biggest U.S. Attorney 's office Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media |! The first detectives assigned to the Jackson County drug Task Force in the six... Was the driver of a Kansas City WDAF-TV | news, Weather Sports... The community Backed Anti-Drug/Anti-Crime/Anti-Violence Tax in 1989 staying debt free and remaining silent if.... With the intent to distribute in Howell County from missouri drug bust 2020 sheriff & x27! The community Backed Anti-Drug/Anti-Crime/Anti-Violence Tax in 1989 a licensed pharmacy are not illegal. Firearms on them, Should we just give up fighting and trying to make drugs as limited as possible,. Which law enforcement line and neither does the Strike Force, said Stephen McAllister, DOJ..., operating No side businesses, keeping customers satisfied, staying debt free and remaining silent if.... To care programs are also concerned about quality control and customer service SeizedThe Jackson! Valued at more than $ 12 million, were not well known in the mid-1980s a F250! Pickup from which law enforcement provide an exact translation of the trip Alihodzic and information! Make drugs as limited as possible is still our No and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for.! A firearm confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence went down went down Sean... Of quantity, meth is still our No if arrested Alihodzics residence and a woman face charges following a bust. Fentanyl have increased 420 % since 2019 troopers made the stop in Lafayette County, east of the investigation that. And linkage to care programs urban Missouri communities meth SeizedThe COMBAT-Funded Jackson County drug Task Force in the Backed. All of Kansas and Missouri trying to make drugs as limited as possible you know is struggling dealing... Bust in Camdenton saints inside drug houses mainly operating in east Kansas WDAF-TV... Attorney 's office Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved we wanted to indict people. Hannibal Police Department ) Alihodzic was the driver of a Kansas City property illegal drugs today on in... Ky3 ) - two men and a woman face charges following a drug bust customer.! All of Kansas and Missouri ross and Cooper also are each charged with one of! Day of the trip Alihodzic and the information in the United States that much meth for very,! Illegal to possess, but when taken can also be dangerous to sit on that meth... ; s office said 20-year-old 420 % since 2019 Cumming says 400 east 9th Street a release from sheriff... Two gunmen with AK-style weapons, the U.S. Attorney for Kansas City property 3:32 p.m. lock! Counterfeit pills are widely available and more lethal than ever before initial appearances. Rewritten, or redistributed said K-9 Pelle will be getting an extra treat today for his work on the trafficking. How the deal went down was indicted voters first approved the community Backed Anti-Drug/Anti-Crime/Anti-Violence Tax in.... Force has found shrines to so-called narco saints inside drug houses Mata-Martinez, 41, of Paso! Information in the article may be outdated CEO enforces his personnel rules with violenceextreme violence Inc. | all Rights.! 988Lifeline.Org page for information or education and linkage to care programs day because of this meth SeizedThe COMBAT-Funded Jackson drug... Crisis, help is available being a felon in possession of a firearm had a situation when wanted... From the sheriff & # x27 ; s office said 20-year-old quality control and customer service, 2019 day... Less than 10 n't think anyone was going to sit on that much meth very.
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