The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics has reported that 21 individuals have been taken into custody following a multi-agency narcotics investigation. During the investigation, which began in November 2018, the bureau worked with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Lawton Police Department and the District Attorneys Council District III and District IV task forces. The investigation was launched after authorities received information about a methamphetamine distribution organization operating in Lawton, Oklahoma, and Wichita Falls, Texas.
Investigators focused their efforts on a 41-year-old man who is alleged to have regularly transported shipments of methamphetamine weighing between 2 and 10 pounds. When he was taken into custody on July 3 for concealing stolen property, police allegedly found 4 ounces of methamphetamine and a handgun in his Lawton hotel room. He is currently being held at the Comanche County Detention Center. His bond has been set at $1 million according to media reports.
Federal agents and state and local police officers began serving the arrest warrants on the morning of July 25. Six individuals were taken into custody in or around Wichita Falls. The remaining 15 were apprehended in the Lawton area. An OBN representative said that the investigation was an example of federal and state law enforcement agencies working together to keep communities safe.
Prosecutors often relish cases involving serious drug charges and a dozen or more defendants. This is because the penalties are severe, and prosecutors may be able to gather all of the evidence they need to secure multiple convictions by offering a generous plea arrangement to the first suspect willing to step forward and cooperate. When faced with situations like this, experienced criminal defense attorneys may encourage clients who are thinking of accepting such an offer to act without delay.
Source: KSWO, “OBN working to arrest 21 Texoma residents after meth trafficking investigation”, Jarred Burke, July 25, 2019
