12 Arrested In Takedown Operation Led By DEA, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics

Twelve individuals were arrested Thursday for allegedly taking part in methamphetamine trafficking operations, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

The arrests were part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (ODETF) operation,

The operations resulted from an indictment filed this week charging twenty-two individuals for two counts of methamphetamine drug conspiracy and other charges. Twelve defendants were arrested, and three others were already in custody.

The alleged crimes involve couriers and distributors of methamphetamine transported from Mexico.

The deadly drug was brought up to Tulsa and then provided to distributors who sold the methamphetamine in the Northern District of Oklahoma

“Today’s operation reminds us, that even in the midst of a pandemic, drugs are making their way into our communities at great cost to those fighting addiction and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Prosecutors and law enforcement officers will continue the fight to stop the flow of drugs into northeastern Oklahoma.” I am thankful for the work of the DEA, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotic, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Tulsa Police for their work in protecting those living in northeastern Oklahoma.

Count 1 of the indictment charges 14 defendants, including couriers and distributors, with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

In Count 2 of the indictment, six defendants are charged with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine. The accused distributors named in Count 2 are alleged to have worked together to mutually benefit from the illicit drug sales. The remaining counts involve drug deals made on different dates by multiple defendants.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found HERE.

Thursday’s law enforcement action was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs in partnership with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston is prosecuting the case.