Multi-agency operation in Grundy County results in 23 indictments, arrests
TRENTON, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force, in conjunction with its local, state and federal partners, conducted in a large-scale methamphetamine and narcotics investigation Thursday.
The investigation culminated the issuance of 23 state criminal indictments and the execution of a coordinated arrest operation across Grundy County, Missouri.
According to a news release from the Grundy County Sheriff's Office and the Trenton, Missouri Police Department, a substantial number of the resulting charges, including over a dozen counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Protected Location, showed the proximity of the illegal activities to be near community schools and public parks.
Thursday afternoon, 14 subjects were taken into custody on various felony drug charges. The Task Force said there are additional arrests that will follow.
The operation was spearheaded by the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Grundy County Sheriff's Office, the Daviess County Sheriff's Office, the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, the Trenton Missouri Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the United States Marshal Service.
The Grundy County Prosecuting Attorney's Office provided legal guidance throughout the investigative process to secure the 54 individual felony counts filed.
"Today's operation is a testament to the power of inter-agency cooperation," Grundy County Sheriff Rodney Herring said. "By pooling the resources of our Drug Task Force Officer, sheriff's deputies, police, state troopers and federal partners, we have successfully disrupted a significant distribution network that has been impacting the safety of the citizens of Grundy County, particularly in protected areas where our most valuable residents should feel secure."
Law enforcement said it will continue to pursue cases like this one.
"The success of this operation is a direct result of the seamless collaboration between our local state and federal partners," said Captain Shawn Collie with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force. "By combining our resources and intelligence, we are able to effectively dismantle the networks that bring dangerous drugs into our rural communities."
The news release said law enforcement will actively be seeking to arrest an additional nine individuals associated with the criminal indictments.
The Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force said it will continue to investigate drug-related activity in the area.
Citizens with information are encouraged to contact the Grundy County Sheriff's Office at 660-359-2828 or their local law enforcement agency.
