Patch reported on August 23, 2023, that two Paulding County men were facing a mountain of drug trafficking charges after a collaborative raid by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and the Haralson County Drug Task Force. The raid, conducted on August 2nd, targeted two Dallas homes: one on Alana Court and another on Collins Run Lane.
Authorities apprehended a 41-year-old man and a 38-year-old man on suspicion of various drug trafficking offenses. Their arrests followed a “lengthy investigation” initiated by the multi-county task force after receiving tips.
The raid yielded a significant haul:
- 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of methamphetamine
- More than 200 grams of heroin/fentanyl
- Multiple ounces of cocaine
- Over $100,000 in cash
- 15 firearms (pistols and rifles)
- Thousands of rounds of ammunition
Two of the recovered firearms were confirmed stolen from Paulding County. “With the opioid epidemic claiming lives every day, I’m incredibly proud of our drug task force for removing these dangerous substances from our community,” stated Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge in a press release. “Our partnership with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, overseeing the Haralson-Paulding Drug Task Force, continues to play a crucial role in securing our community for residents to live, work, and thrive.”
One man faces charges related to trafficking and possession of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. The other man’s charges include double counts of cocaine trafficking, along with trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as distribution/sale of cocaine and heroin. Both individuals remain in the Paulding County Jail without bond.
This successful operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies in Paulding and Haralson counties to combatting drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of their communities.
On July 28, 2023, the Advocate reported that a two-year undercover operation culminated in a major sweep, netting the arrests of 15 individuals on drug and firearm charges. This joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Dallas Police Department’s Gang Unit marks a significant blow to criminal activity in the area.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough revealed that 34 people have been indicted in total, with arrests being the latest phase of the operation. Authorities confiscated an arsenal of 25 firearms, including modified weapons capable of continuous fire, along with a substantial amount of drugs including cocaine, crack-cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
This operation falls under the Dallas Police Department’s comprehensive plan to tackle violent crime. Chief Eddie Garcia emphasized the commitment to not only arrest offenders but also to dismantle criminal networks.
“It’s about building cases that cripple the capabilities of these gangs,” Yarbrough echoed, highlighting the long-term strategy behind the takedown.
United States Attorney Leigha Simonton underscored the seriousness of the charges, with some individuals facing up to 40 years in prison if convicted. She emphasized the link between drug trafficking and gun violence, stating, “Guns and drugs don’t mix. Taking them off the streets makes our communities safer.”
Over 200 law enforcement personnel from various agencies worked tirelessly on this case, showcasing the importance of inter-agency collaboration. Chief Garcia commended the “second-to-none” partnerships and credited the combined efforts with the observed decrease in violent crime.
This successful operation signals a renewed commitment to combating criminal activity in Oak Cliff and beyond. The collaboration between the FBI and local law enforcement, the long-term strategic approach, and the focus on dismantling criminal networks offer hope for a safer future for the community.
Key takeaways included:
- 34 individuals indicted in a two-year undercover operation against drug and firearm trafficking
- 15 arrests made in Oak Cliff on Thursday
- Over 200 law enforcement officers from various agencies involved
- 25 firearms, including modified weapons, and a large quantity of drugs seized
- Operation aligns with Dallas Police Department’s plan to reduce violent crime
- Focus on dismantling criminal networks and long-term strategic approach
- Collaboration between federal and local agencies emphasized
- Observed decrease in violent crime attributed to combined efforts
WFAA-TV reported on June 23, 2023 that Dallas Chief of Police Eddie Garcia announced a successful drug bust in the Redbird neighborhood, where officers seized a significant amount of illegal substances and cash. A joint operation involving the Dallas Police Department’s Placed Network Investigations Unit, Narcotics Unit, and SWAT team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 840 block of Emberwood Drive, located just north of DeSoto and southeast of Cockrell Hill.
The raid stemmed from a drug complaint received by the Placed Network Investigations Unit. Following further investigation, a warrant was obtained and executed, leading to the confiscation of:
- Over 180 grams of methamphetamine
- Nearly 5 kilograms of marijuana
- Alprazolam
- Promethazine
- Cash
Three individuals were apprehended during the operation: A 46-year-old man was charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. A 39-year-old man was arrested for a parole violation and a 23-year-old man was apprehended for a probation violation.
This successful raid in Redbird comes on the heels of another major drug bust in North Texas earlier this year. In May 2022, Lake Worth police arrested a man after an undercover investigation dubbed “Operation Safe Neighborhood.”
The search of that residence yielded a staggering amount of drugs with an estimated street value of $2,285,250, representing a 72-fold increase over average operations. Authorities reported that the seized drugs amounted to an estimated 11,721 lethal doses.
These two recent busts highlight the ongoing efforts of North Texas law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug activity. The collaboration between various units within the Dallas Police Department and the joint operation in Lake Worth demonstrate the effectiveness of teamwork in tackling drug trafficking.
The success of these operations signifies a continued commitment to safeguarding communities from the dangers of drugs and related criminal activity. The proactive approach of investigating complaints and executing warrants sends a strong message that such illegal activity will not be tolerated.
While these busts represent significant victories, the fight against drug trafficking remains ongoing. Continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community are crucial in curbing the flow of illegal drugs and creating safer neighborhoods for all.
On April 20, 2023, KDFW-TV reported that a coordinated effort by police departments in DeSoto, Midlothian, Duncanville, and Cedar Hill resulted in a significant drug bust earlier this week, seizing over 140 pounds of marijuana and multiple weapons. The DeSoto Police Department’s High-Intensity Crime Reduction Unit spearheaded the operation, demonstrating the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling criminal activity.
On April 18th, officers from Duncanville and Cedar Hill initiated traffic stops on vehicles suspected of involvement in illegal activity. Simultaneously, the DeSoto team executed a search warrant at a residence on Kimmel Drive in Cedar Hill. This strategic approach proved highly successful.
Inside the targeted home, officers uncovered a significant amount of contraband, including:
- 142 pounds of marijuana
- Six handguns
- Two assault-style pistols
- One assault-style rifle
- Over $42,000 in cash
Additionally, one of the recovered handguns was identified as stolen, further underscoring the seriousness of the criminal activity being addressed. Four individuals were apprehended in connection with the bust, including a 22-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, another 22-year-old man, and another 21-year-old man.
The first 22-year-old man was charged with possession of 5 to 50 pounds of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon (both third-degree felonies), the 21-year-old man was charged with possession of 5 to 50 pounds of marijuana, a third-degree felony, the other 22-year-old man was charged with possession of 5 to 50 pounds of marijuana, a third-degree felony, and the other 21-year-old man was charged with delivery of 5 to 50 pounds of marijuana (second-degree felony), possession of 50 to 2000 pounds of marijuana (second-degree felony), and possession of 4 ounces to 5 pounds of marijuana (state jail felony).
The success of this drug bust highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding communities from illegal activity. By combining resources and expertise, law enforcement agencies can significantly enhance their effectiveness in tackling major criminal operations.
The Dallas Observer reported on February 1, 2023, that the recent arrest of a man accused of transporting 6,000 fentanyl pills in Dallas, highlights the ongoing battle against this deadly synthetic opioid in North Texas. He faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted, a stark reminder of the severe consequences of fentanyl trafficking.
The man’s arrest is not an isolated incident. Just a week prior, two other men were apprehended in Fort Worth for allegedly dealing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs. Both face similar prison sentences if convicted.
These arrests underscore the alarming prevalence of fentanyl trafficking in North Texas, a significant public safety concern. Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
This potency explains the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths reported across the region. Dallas County data confirms this trend.
A 2022 study by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences showed an increase in fentanyl and related drugs identified in toxicology and drug analysis. Furthermore, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia stated in December 2022 that his officers seized enough fentanyl last year to potentially kill thousands.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, authorities are increasing local resources to fight fentanyl. The Dallas Police Department has assigned two detectives to investigate fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths.
Additionally, Dallas Fire-Rescue has partnered with the Recovery Resource Council to administer Narcan, an overdose reversal drug, through a dedicated paramedic program. On the legislative front, efforts are underway to address the issue through policy changes.
State Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) is leading the charge to legalize fentanyl test strips. These strips allow users to detect the presence of fentanyl in their drugs, potentially preventing overdoses.
Johnson’s bipartisan bill, co-authored by Republican Sen. Bob Hall, has gained support from Gov. Greg Abbott, indicating a growing consensus on tackling this crisis. The recent arrests in Dallas and Fort Worth illustrate the severity of the fentanyl problem in North Texas.
However, increased resource allocation, legislative efforts like test strip legalization, and bipartisan support offer hope for tackling this complex issue. By combining law enforcement, healthcare, and policy initiatives, communities can work towards mitigating the devastating impact of fentanyl and saving lives.
WFAA-TV also reported on July 28, 2023 that a two-year, multi-agency collaboration culminated in a major victory against violent crime in Dallas, with over 30 individuals indicted on drug and firearm charges. The coordinated effort by the FBI, Dallas Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies represents a significant blow to criminal activity in the region.
Officials, including FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, and United States Attorney Leigha Simonton, held a press conference to detail the operation’s scope and impact. They emphasized the primary focus on dismantling violent offender networks and individuals linked to organized crime.
Chief Garcia reiterated this commitment, stating, “It takes all of us to fight and prevent crime… We are committed to making our neighborhoods safer.” The operation, spanning two years, involved over 200 law enforcement officers and resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of contraband:
- Over 540 grams of cocaine
- Over 1,100 grams of methamphetamine
- Over 150 grams of alprazolam
- Over 7 grams of fentanyl
- 9 firearms
- Over $10,000 in cash
Charges against the 30 defendants include:
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances
- Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
- Felon in possession of firearms
- Possession of an unregistered firearm (Glock switch)
Many defendants reportedly have extensive criminal histories, further highlighting the operation’s impact on repeat offenders. United States Attorney Simonton commended the dedication of all involved agencies, stating, “An operation like this takes commitment… This case was almost exactly two years in the making. After yesterday, we’re confident it was worth the effort.”
This successful takedown reflects the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies in North Texas to tackling violent crime and organized criminal activity. The multi-year investigation, collaboration between various agencies, and focus on dismantling criminal networks demonstrate a strategic approach to ensuring public safety.
With some defendants facing up to 40 years in federal prison if convicted, this operation sends a strong message that such criminal activity will not be tolerated. Additionally, Chief Garcia’s statement highlighting the downward trend in violent crime suggests the combined efforts of law enforcement, communities, and city leaders are yielding positive results.
This operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of long-term, inter-agency collaboration in combating crime. The dedication of law enforcement personnel and continued collaboration between various entities offer hope for a safer future for the communities of North Texas.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported on June 15, 2023, that a press release from the United States Department of Justice stated that a 55-year-old man was found guilty of “multiple drug charges and possession of child pornography.” He faces up to 80 years in federal prison.
The man was arrested in July 2016 after an undercover operation revealed he was selling fentanyl and other drugs over the dark web. The darknet is an unindexed part of the internet that can only be accessed through specialized software and allows users to remain almost anonymous.
Cryptocurrencies were accepted by the man, who would ship the drugs to the addresses of the buyers, according to the DOJ. “Drug traffickers who think operating on the darknet will shield them from prosecution should think again,” United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton said in the release.
Body-cam footage from the arrest showed the man with white powder visible around his nose, according to the release. He dropped a bag from his pockets and attempted to kick it away.
When the officers noticed the bag, the man denied that it was his. At the trial, former customers of the man testified about the drugs he shipped to their North Texas homes.
They said the potency of the drugs he sold was high. An undercover Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent testified that the man had directed “tens of thousands of dollars of illicit drug proceeds to be sent to the Dallas area.”
“We are grateful to the many agents and officers — both in uniform and undercover — that worked together to arrest” the man, Simonton said. Simonton warned others that the attorney’s office will “scour the darkest recesses of the internet to find those dealing fentanyl, a drug that shatters lives and wrecks futures.”
One of the man’s customers, a 20-year-old man, died of a fentanyl overdose just days after making a purchase, officials said. “Our team of special agents and criminal analysts will never relent in our resolve to bring to justice those who seek financial gain by selling this poison in our neighborhoods as we all work tirelessly as a community to address drug addiction and fatal overdoses throughout the country,” said Lester R. Hayes Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of HSI Dallas.
Understanding Drug Crime Penalties in Dallas
Some of the charges mentioned above included drug trafficking. Drug trafficking charges depend on the drug penalty group a controlled substance falls under, with possible penalties ranging from state jail felony charges punishable by up to two years in state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000 to life felony charges punishable by life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances is another charge that was mentioned and drug conspiracy charges can be tricky to navigate. Under Texas Penal Code § 15.02, a criminal conspiracy involves two or more people intentionally agreeing to commit a felony and taking an overt act towards that goal.
The severity of the conspiracy charge depends on the targeted felony. Conspiring for a first-degree felony drug offense becomes a second-degree felony while conspiring for a state jail drug crime becomes a Class A misdemeanor.
Title 21 U.S.C. § 846 specifically tackles conspiracies surrounding violations of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. §§ 801-904). Penalties mirror those of the underlying offense.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, this general federal conspiracy statute does not apply to Controlled Substances Act violations. It focuses on conspiracies against the United States or its agencies and requires an action towards the conspiracy’s goal.
Drug conspiracy charges may be punishable only as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail. They could also result in first-degree felony charges punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 99 years or life in prison.
Possession with intent to distribute charges can range from state jail felony charges punishable by up to two years in state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000 to enhanced first-degree felony charges punishable by up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Drug Crime Defense in Dallas, TX
If you are facing any kind of drug charges in the greater Dallas area, it is going to be important for you to retain legal counsel without delay. You will want to speak to the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy to discuss your case and all of your defense options.
Our firm has handled a wide variety of different drug charges all over Texas, and we are prepared to fully investigate your case to determine all of your best options. Call us at (972) 233-5700 or contact us online to schedule a completely free consultation.
