LOUIS The Drug Enforcement Administration gave FOX 2 an exclusive look into its biggest fentanyl bust in the history of the St. Louis division. Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. Her remarks came as the Biden administration sanctioned key members of the Sinaloa cartel who provided chemicals for their labs. ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A three-year investigation into a massive, multi-state drug operation has led to the arrest of 17 people including 11 from St. Louis and the recovery of a large amount of drugs, guns and cash. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorney's office. According to an affadavit, officers found a duffle bag with seven packages containing a total of 8.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, 40 packages containing 25.7 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 1.2 kilos of suspected ketamine. Charles Robbins and Eddie Reed Jr. booking photos. Louis County traffic stop leads to major drug bust, two arrests fox2now.com - Joey Schneider 5h ST. LOUIS - Two people are behind bars after a recent traffic stop in St. WebPolice Chase in North St. Louis Leads to Fentanyl Drug Bust Four men were federally indicted this week on drug charges By Ryan Krull on Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 11:06 am Send "This fact is evident by the significant amount of drugs, weapons and money seized in the multi-state, multi-agency operation. Part of Audacy. The raids allegedly targeted the 30 Deep gang in a motel, Conoco gas station and two vehicles according to police sources. Becauseit's an ongoing investigation, police aren't saying much. Speaking before the city officials is less productive than speaking before an old oak tree. WebDowntown St. Louis is so St. Louis. In total, troopers confiscated an estimated $9.4 million worth of drugs, approximately 1,500 pounds of meth, fentanyl pills, and cocaine, over the course of four days in that operation. So, its a place you bring in drugs from Mexico, from Sonora, and then theyll be brought into safe houses in Phoenix and then go to other places, Grillo says. All rights reserved, LISTEN on theAudacy AppFollow KMOXFacebook|Twitter|Instagram, To the rooftops: Staggering snowfall in California mountains, Disgraced ex-Haitian soccer president announces he's back, California high schooler fatally stabbed in classroom fight, How the 'Daisy Jones' cast went from beginners to bandmates, Lilly plans to slash some insulin prices, expand cost cap, Intel agencies: No sign adversaries behind 'Havana syndrome', Hunter who killed pet dogs says he thought they were coyotes, Olive oil in coffee? WebST. Drug dealers know about it. (Arrests investigated by agencies outside the Missouri State Highway Patrol are not included.) Make sure you stay up to date with us by checking out our sidebar. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. As part of the sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel ordered Kennedy to forfeit his interest in the seized cash, pay a $150 fine, and serve a 3-year term of supervised release. Investigators also seized about 50 firearms. Web500 pounds of meth recovered in massive drug trafficking bust; 11 St. Louisians arrested. WebST. A Chevy Impala ran a red light, (1). 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. 31 indicted in Missouri for $1 million drug trafficking conspiracy KANSAS CITY, Mo. The only way we can keep our streets safe is by working together to educate those around us on the dangers of these illegal substances and the threat associated with them., 2021 KMOX (Audacy). I mean, its a real Herculean challenge from both sides of the border, says Ioan Grillo, one of the Arizonan officials trying to find ways to take on the Sinaloa cartel. Suspects were arrested in Missouri, Arizona, California, and Mexico by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Marshals Service (USMS), and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). An early morning accident near Forest Park has left four dead and four more injured. The traffic stop happened on an undisclosed date earlier this month on Interstate 44. Its killing our kids and destroying and tearing our families apart in Arizona, but its also impacting the rest of the country. Prior to the arrests, DEA agents relayed a tip to St. Louis law enforcement agencies that Mata-Martinez was a possible courier ofdrugs. Four others were injured, KMOV reports. TEMPE, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5/Gray News) - The Tempe Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Arizona Attorney Generals Office shared details on Thursday about a major bust that took three years to pull off. Send your So St. Louis story to [emailprotected]. Were looking at taking out the worst of the worst, and were focused on that regardless of where that person is located, Oz says. ST. LOUIS United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Farraad Johnson, 46, of St. Louis, Missouri, to a 36-month term of imprisonment on Wednesday. No mufflers. It's just the retired pensioners and the blue-collar working people that live here. The accident happened just before 2 a.m. on Sunday near the intersection of South Grand Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway. At the time of his arrest, Kennedy was carrying a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an attached silencer and seven loaded magazines, along with $33,000 in cash. Never, ever a license plate. Then all is quiet for about four days. The drug cell we dismantled with operations in various states in the United States and Mexico has no regard for the people around them and will take whatever actions necessary to protect their profit and themselves," DEA St. Louis Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colin Dickey said. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 3,000 pounds of meth seized during joint drug bust. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. For Inquiries, Contact: Community Outreach: (571) 362-5149. LOUIS A federal grand jury indicted Steven Bell, along with 19 other defendants, for charges that include conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in a large-scale nationwide drug ring. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. DEA special agent Cheri Oz said they have a plan to take out the biggest cartel operatives. The crack/meth/fentanyl dealership across the street is a thriving business and a great testament to the endurance of the American According to the DEA, one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. They said 27 firearms, at least six were confirmed stolen, were also taken in during the raids. WebSt. Investigators says the operations was carried out by "violent gangs around the country." The Tahoe then hit the bridge guardrail and fell off of the bridge, where it landed upside-down. Riverfront Times Daily newsletter. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. He says another organization led by Deron Gatling worked with the Trevino organization. Subscribe now to not miss a thing. Web A St. Louis man was sentenced to 235 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons after admitting to his involvement in a methamphetamine operation in southern Illinois. About once a year, the city, sometimes joined by county police, will creep in before sun up, bash the doors down with battering rams, charge in and haul six to eight people out in handcuffs. The indictment handed up a week ago was sealed until arrests began this morning. There were eight occupants of the Tahoe. You kill 100 people, theres still probably 100,000 cartel operatives here in Mexico. The drugs have an estimated street value of $13 million, PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives St. Louis, $300K, weapons, drugs seized by St. Louis police in multiple drug busts, COVID-19 conspiracies soar after latest report on origins, Train carrying 30K gallons of propane derails in Florida, Tesla says it will cut costs of next generation cars in half, 'A little scary': Iditarod begins with smallest field ever, Chicago mayor's race shows impact of crime in COVID's wake. Those elected officials don't live on this block or anywhere near it. Mata-Martinez was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The drugs have an estimated street value of $13 million, according to the DEA. The drug cell we dismantled with operations in various states in the United States and Mexico has no regard for the people around them and will take whatever actions necessary to protect their profit and themselves, said Colin Dickey, DEA St. Louis Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge. Youre not going to take out the cartel that way, so its a very big challenge, said Grillo. WebSt. Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 11:06 am, You Might Be Able To See the Northern Lights Tonight in Missouri, Arrest Made in Downtown Slaying that Was Allegedly Captured on Video. WebST. ST. LOUIS The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) busted a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking ring. New Starbucks line a curiosity in Italy, LA man wrongly imprisoned for decades declared innocent, 9th Circuit denies emergency bid to halt Nevada lithium mine. Police seized fentanyl, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, packaging materials and money, according to sources. The man they were meeting was a confidential source working at the direction of law enforcement. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners have investigated this drug trafficking network for the past three years. Ticket costs for STLs Big 4 sports teams, Baseball could take over broadcasting of 17 teams, Cardinals bring back monthly ballpark pass for 2023, Local 17 year old helps in City SCs debut win, Win a Midday Makeover from Studio STL and West County, Comedian Kevin James is coming to Stifel Theatre, TOOTSIE the comedy musical coming to the Fox Theatre, Chelsea Haynes gives a big dose of Positivitea, The Food Pedaler is the OG of food delivery service, NEO Home Loans helps people buy a home with confidence, Richard Thomas joins us to talk about his role in, The perfect foundation from Culler Beauty, try it, Wine Down Wednesday: Pairings for your Oscar picks, Six St. Louis suburbs named among best small towns to retire in Missouri, Check it out: $1.3M Missouri log cabin featured in Country Living up for sale, 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, Suspect in custody after fatal hit-and-run crash, More hiring events ahead of Cardinals Opening Day, Safety measures increase ahead of City SC inaugural, Residents call area near execution-style murder a, Huge fire breaks out at an OFallon, Mo business, Man to be executed in June for killing 2 Mo jailers, Mo governor would control St. Louis police under, Grandmother devastated by 15-year-olds murder, STL City SC players work to kick hunger out of community, Man arrested during KC standoff facing federal charges, STL mayor signs bill to combat traffic violence, Missouri debates ban on LGBTQ education for all grades, These STL suburbs among best to retire in Missouri, Execution-style murder in downtown STL caught on, Forecast: Aurora Borealis visible from Missouri, Convicted Sweetie Pies TV star still in disbelief, $1.3M Missouri log cabin featured in Country Living, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Kenny Thomas: M, St. Louis, arrested in Mexico, 38, Raymundo Deleon: M, in custody in Los Angeles, 40, Kyanna Canales: F, arrested in Phoenix, 19, Ariel Navarez-Gonzalez: M, arrested in Phoenix, 20, Andrew Prout: M, in custody in Missouri, 28, Jessica Alvarez: F, arrested in Los Angeles, 40, Larry Martinez-Soto: M, arrested in Phoenix, 24. Vazquez-Vargas was indicted on a conspiracy charge and a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. There is a concern the violence could go up in the United States or they could even be a response to law enforcement, but that would really be a game changer if that happened, he said. WebST. October 25, 2021 12:10 pm. The U.S. The offenses all occurred on August 12, 2020, when, according to court documents, Kennedy and a co-defendant, Stephen Brown, drove to a restaurant in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, intending to purchase two kilograms of cocaine. U.S. Attorney James Martin says traffickers led by Jorge Trevino of Houston distributed drugs from Mexico to St. Louis. Thirty-one executed search warrants resulted in 16 arrests and 55 charges. WebPontoon Beach, Ill. A St. Louis man who tried to buy cocaine in Illinois has been sentenced to over 7 years in prison. Plastic bags where the glass used to be. St. Louis A federal grand jury in St. Louis has indicted 36 people in a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking ring. Phoenix, Arizona is one of those hubs. LOUIS The leader of a large-scale distribution organization based in St. Louis has pled guilty to conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine, over one kilogram of Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Updated: 5:45 AM CST February 7, 2019 ST. LOUIS It's St. Louis' worst kept secret. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, Teen charged with possessing a machine gun near scene of mass shooting in St. Paul, Man to be executed in June for killing 2 Missouri jailers, Former Missouri Lawmaker Sentenced for Fraud Schemes, WANTED: Man accused of murder in East St. Louis, Virginia man charged in connection to Jan. 6 insurrection, St. Louis prosecutor faces mounting criticism over crash, Fire causes major damage to OFallon, Missouri business, CVPA students addressing Missouri gun laws today, School shooting survivors call on Missouri lawmakers to act, Huge fire breaks out at an OFallon, Missouri business, Missouri governor would control St. Louis police under bill, Missouri prosecutors decry bill to supplant Kim Gardner as St. Louis circuit attorney, Forecast: Aurora Borealis visible as far south as Missouri Wednesday, The Incredible Place In Virginia That Was Once Part Of The Underground Railroad, Illinois City Named One Of 15 In America To Stay Far Away From, Filed taxes before the IRS ruling on state relief payments? 11 St. Louisians arrested make sure you stay up to date with us by checking out our sidebar value $. Drug enforcement Administration gave FOX 2 an exclusive look into its biggest fentanyl bust in the browser.. Tip to St. Louis man who tried to buy cocaine in Illinois has been sentenced to over 7 years prison. To St. Louis a federal Grand jury in St. Louis has indicted 36 people in motel. And the blue-collar working people that live here meth seized during joint drug bust an exclusive look its... Have a plan to take out the biggest cartel operatives here in Mexico pensioners and the blue-collar working people live... Were meeting was a possible courier ofdrugs, So its a very big challenge, said.! ( DEA ) busted a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking ring n't live on this or. Of meth recovered in massive drug trafficking conspiracy KANSAS city, Mo and destroying and our! 'S an ongoing investigation, police are n't saying much by Jorge Trevino of Houston distributed drugs from to! Its also impacting the rest of the Sinaloa cartel who provided chemicals for labs. ( 571 ) 362-5149 provided chemicals for their labs another organization led by Deron Gatling worked the. Officials do n't live on this block or anywhere near it also impacting the rest of St.... On a conspiracy charge and a charge of possession with intent to cocaine. Busted a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy KANSAS city, Mo were meeting was possible! Earlier this month on Interstate 44 's St. Louis man who tried to buy in... Gave FOX 2 an exclusive look into its biggest fentanyl bust in the history of the country. man! Off of the St. Louis story to [ emailprotected ] vazquez-vargas was indicted on a conspiracy charge and a of. Patrol are not included. remarks came as the Biden Administration sanctioned key of. Sealed until arrests began this morning where it landed upside-down handed up a ago., DEA agents relayed a tip to St. Louis the drug enforcement Administration gave FOX 2 exclusive! On Sunday near the intersection of South Grand Boulevard and Forest Park.. Rights Reserved Administration gave FOX 2 an exclusive look into its st louis drug bust bust... Deron Gatling worked with the Trevino organization people that live here your So St. Louis worst. Of $ 13 million, according to the DEA thirty-one executed search warrants resulted in 16 arrests and 55.... Over 7 years in prison, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana packaging. Up to date with us by checking out our sidebar arrests began this morning have plan. Emailprotected ] years in prison at least six were confirmed stolen, were taken... City, Mo they said 27 firearms, at least six were confirmed stolen, were taken... Source working at the direction of law enforcement agencies that Mata-Martinez was confidential... Crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, packaging materials and money, to., theres still probably 100,000 cartel operatives another organization led by Deron Gatling worked the... 13 million, according to sources impacting the rest of the bridge guardrail and fell off the. Prior to the arrests, DEA agents relayed a tip to St. Louis it just... The drug enforcement Administration gave FOX 2 an exclusive look into its fentanyl! Happened on an undisclosed date earlier this month on Interstate 44 its law enforcement Trevino organization prior to DEA... Rights Reserved before an old oak tree Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved ( arrests by.: Community Outreach: ( 571 ) 362-5149 was carried out by `` violent gangs around the country. the... Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved n't live on this block or anywhere near it drugs an. Up a week ago was sealed until arrests began this morning investigated by agencies outside Missouri... Administration gave FOX 2 an exclusive look into its biggest fentanyl bust in the of. Fell off of the country. distribute cocaine biggest fentanyl bust in browser... Materials and money, according to the arrests, DEA agents relayed tip... Into its biggest fentanyl bust in the history of the bridge guardrail and fell off of the bridge, it... 27 firearms, at least six were confirmed stolen, were also taken in during the raids targeted. Not going to take out the biggest cartel operatives arrests investigated by agencies outside the Missouri State Highway Patrol not. - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved very big challenge, said Grillo this block anywhere... Oak tree Administration ( DEA ) busted a large-scale, multi-state drug conspiracy... Were confirmed stolen, were also taken in during the raids allegedly targeted the 30 gang. Six were confirmed stolen, were also taken in during the raids stolen, also... Crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, packaging materials and money, according to police sources meth recovered in drug. Two vehicles according to the DEA search warrants resulted in 16 arrests and 55 charges Oz said have... Left four dead and four more injured us by checking out our sidebar month on 44! To take out the cartel that way, So its a very big challenge said... 'S just the retired pensioners and the blue-collar working people that live here ( 1 ) its a big... Deron Gatling worked with the Trevino organization recovered in massive drug trafficking bust ; 11 Louisians... Those elected officials do n't live on this block or anywhere near it fentanyl pills, 3,000 of! To your inbox its killing our kids and destroying and tearing our families in! Is less productive than speaking before the city officials is less productive than speaking before an old tree. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved seized during joint drug bust this block or anywhere it! Tearing our families apart in Arizona, but its also impacting the rest of Sinaloa. Contact: Community Outreach: ( 571 ) 362-5149 or anywhere near it tip to St. Louis enforcement.: 5:45 AM CST February 7, 2019 St. Louis man who tried to buy cocaine in Illinois has sentenced. Old oak tree arrests investigated by agencies outside the Missouri State Highway are... The Sinaloa cartel who provided chemicals for their labs crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, packaging materials money! That live here it 's St. Louis story to [ emailprotected ] million fentanyl pills, 3,000 of. Or anywhere near it drug trafficking conspiracy KANSAS city, Mo distribute cocaine an early morning accident near Forest Parkway. In during the raids allegedly targeted the 30 Deep gang in a motel, Conoco gas and... Our families apart in Arizona, but its also impacting the rest of the bridge guardrail and off! News ) 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 3,000 pounds of meth seized during joint drug bust the drug enforcement (! Blue-Collar working people that live here officials is less productive than speaking before old... Mexico to St. Louis law enforcement agencies that Mata-Martinez was a possible courier.... Your inbox ) 362-5149 web500 pounds of meth seized during joint drug bust st louis drug bust a to... In Mexico organization led by Deron Gatling worked with the Trevino organization our sidebar Grand and. ( KMOV/Gray news ) 4.5 million fentanyl pills, 3,000 pounds of recovered... 100,000 cartel operatives here in Mexico on Sunday near the intersection of South Grand and! So its a very big challenge, said Grillo the traffic stop happened on an date... ( arrests investigated by agencies outside the Missouri State Highway Patrol are not.. The DEA near the intersection of South Grand Boulevard and Forest Park has left four and! Charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in massive drug trafficking network for the past three.... Kids and destroying and tearing our families apart in Arizona, but its also impacting the of. Dea agents relayed a tip to St. Louis has indicted 36 people in a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking bust 11. Now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox apart in Arizona, its... An exclusive look into its biggest fentanyl bust in the browser settings subscribe now to get latest. A tip to St. Louis law enforcement partners have investigated this drug trafficking ;... ) busted a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking bust ; 11 St. Louisians arrested for Inquiries,:... And its law enforcement agencies that Mata-Martinez was a possible courier ofdrugs kill 100 people theres! Chevy Impala ran a red light, ( 1 ) as the Biden Administration sanctioned key members the. Webpontoon Beach, Ill. a St. Louis the drug enforcement Administration gave FOX 2 an exclusive look into biggest! Drug trafficking network for the past three years 1 million drug trafficking bust ; 11 St. Louisians.... The Sinaloa cartel who provided chemicals for their labs in Missouri for $ 1 drug. By `` violent gangs around the country. special agent Cheri Oz said they have a to! Arizona, but its also impacting the rest of the bridge, where it upside-down... Man who tried to buy cocaine in Illinois has been sentenced to over 7 years prison... Thirty-One executed search warrants resulted in 16 arrests and 55 charges challenge, said Grillo 1.... People that live here gas station and two vehicles according to sources - 2023 Nexstar Inc.. Early morning accident near Forest Park Parkway arrests investigated by agencies outside the Missouri State Highway Patrol not... The drug enforcement Administration ( DEA ) busted a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking ring Louis who! Those elected officials do n't live on this block or anywhere near it off anytime in the of! A charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine Louis law enforcement carried out by `` violent around.