2013 Jackson County Drug Task Force Annual Report

JACKSON COUNTY
DRUG TASK FORCE
2013
ANNUAL REPORT
(The pictures within this Report are items recovered, seized or purchased during 2013.)
JACKSON COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE
HISTORY
In 1986, the Jackson County Missouri Drug Task Force (JCDTF) was organized as a
multi-jurisdictional investigative initiative in response to an emerging drug problem
within the county. Throughout the 1980’s, drug trafficking and an active drug culture
were a part of daily life throughout Kansas City, Missouri and much of Jackson County.
Illicit drugs, such as crack cocaine, methamphetamine and PCP were openly traded on
street corners. Drug houses and methamphetamine labs literally sprung up throughout
our County overnight. During its initial years the JCDTF was funded through private
donations and one grant.
In 1990 Jackson County residents approved a new one-quarter of one-percent anti-drug
sales tax which would later become known as the Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax
(COMBAT). The tax would support a broad based attack on drugs and drug related
crimes. One of the enforcement initiatives COMBAT would fund was the JCDTF.
The tax was renewed for a seven-year period in 1995, 2004 and again in 2009. The
COMBAT tax provided the JCDTF with an adjusted budget of $1,849,325 in 2012.
The JCDTF is a voluntary law enforcement organization that operates under the
direction of an Executive Board comprised of representatives from fourteen jurisdictions
in eastern Jackson County. Eight of these agencies supply manpower for the Task
Force, while a Legal Advisor and Fiscal Officer are maintained on a contractual and part
time basis. During this period, a canine was donated to the JCDTF for drug searching
purposes. The canine and his JCDTF handler was Nationally Certified in drug detection
in December of this year.
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Blue Springs Police - 3 Investigators
Buckner Police
Grain Valley Police – 1 Investigator (vacant)
Grandview Police - 1 Sergeant, 1 Investigator, 1 Analyst
Greenwood Police
Independence Police – 1 OIC, 1 Sergeant, 3 Investigators, 2 Chemists
Jackson County – 2 Administrative Personnel, 1 Property Officer
Jackson County Sheriff – 1 Investigator, 1 Warrant Service Officer
Lake Lotawana Police
Lee’s Summit Police - 2 Investigators (2 vacant)
Lone Jack Police
Missouri National Guard – 1 Analyst (Non-Sworn)
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Oak Grove Police - 1 Investigator
Raytown Police
Sugar Creek Police - 1 Investigator
HISTORY (CONTINUED)
The County of Jackson has approximately 604.84 square miles. With a population of
674,158 in the 2010 Census, Jackson County is the second most populous of Missouri's
counties, after St. Louis County. The JCDTF primarily focuses on the eastern and
southern portions of the county, which includes all suburban jurisdictions and
unincorporated areas. The purpose of the JCDTF is to provide a combined and unified
response to the drug and narcotics problem as it exists in eastern Jackson County,
Missouri.
While JCDTF participates with all federal, state and local Kansas City area law
enforcement agencies its primary investigative mission and focus continues toward the
outlying areas of the county which are not adequately serviced by other agencies. In
order to assist and further in these efforts, the process was initiated for several
members of the JCDTF to obtain Federal commissions in order to better conduct joint
operations. In 2012 the JCDTF formed an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task
Forces (OCDETF) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement
Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. These partnerships allowed
for the JCDTF to be partially reimbursed for narcotics buy money and overtime costs
associated with the federal investigations. These investigations continued with two
additional OCDETF investigations formed on 2013.
During 2013, the JCDTF implemented a plan to reduce the daily operating costs by
combining facilities thus, increasing long term sustainability for Task Force operations.
In 2011, an agreement was signed with the Missouri National Guard to provide one
Intelligence Analyst to assist with long term investigations. An agreement was also
formed with The Office of Homeland Security (Formerly ICE) for the federal commission
of several JCDTF detectives to assist in long term, larger drug investigations. These
programs have continued in 2013.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES SEIZED / PURCHASED
2013
Marijuana
Pounds
606.64
Ounces
1,361.08
Grams
Value
Cocaine/
Methamphetamine Crack
PCP
Heroin Synthetic
Pills
29.4
9.04
.31
.31
287.58
N/A
476.33
146.64
5.04
5.04
8,052.24
N/A
269,397.99
13,337,736
4,106.16
141.27
141.27
130,560.82
763
$1,855,786
$1,337,736
$410,616 $7,064
$1,841
$3,916,825 $38,150
FIREARMS SEIZED / PURCHASED
Long Guns
$200 / each
Hand Guns
$400 / each
17
21
$3,400.00
$8,400.00
STATISTICS
2011
2012
2013
Cases Opened
201
119
Cases Closed
67
Search Warrants
71
Knock-n-Talks
78
Presentations
6
Narcotics Purchases
178
124
206
73
66
10
180
Money Recovered
$104,602.00
$411,048.00
$275,876.13
Meth Labs Processed
7
0
Marijuana Grows Processed
8
Psilocybin Mushroom Grows
6
1
3
0
173
92
30
21
408
3
1
Prosecution Comparison Years 2011 - 2013
Cases Presented for
Prosecution
Local
2012
2011
17
10
2013
12
2011
State
2012
85
89
2013
65
2011
Federal
2012
186
250
2013
128
CASE COMPARISON
2010
2011
2012
2013
Total
Total Cases
Presented
52
271
339
205
867
Federal Cases
5
186
250
128
569
State Cases
47
85
89
65
286
227
244
427
177
1,075
14
14
13
11
N/A
$1,054,321.00
$4,871,131.00
$4,116,215.00
$7,568,018.00
$17,609,685.00
Arrests
Detectives Funded
Value of Seized
Narcotics
2013 DRUG COMPLAINT REPORT
During 2013, the Jackson County Drug Task Force received a total of 87 Drug
Complaints. The following table is a statistical break down of the complaint location by
jurisdiction and the sources from which the complaints were received.
Jurisdiction
Number of Complaints
%
Source of Received
%
Received
Complaints
Blue Springs
6
6.8%
Buckner
1
1.2%
Grain Valley
6
6.8%
Grandview
41
47.2%
Greenwood
0
0
Independence
15
17.2%
Jackson
1
1.2%
County
Kansas City,
10
11.4%
MO
Lake Lotawana
1
1.2%
Lake
0
0
Tapawingo
Lee’s Summit
1
1.2%
Lone Jack
0
0
Oak Grove
2
2.3%
Raytown
2
2.3%
Sibley
0
0
Sugar Creek
1
1.2%
Tarsney Lake
0
0
COMBAT
Confidential
Informant
E-Mail
Phone Tips
Outside
Agencies
Task Force
Tips Hotline
5
2
5.7%
2.3%
11
20
43
12.6%
23.0%
49.4%
3
3
3.5%
3.5%
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS - BY JURISDICTION
It should be noted that these are not all of the cases within each jurisdiction, but some of the more noteworthy.
BLUE SPRINGS – Undercover Detective made two separate purchases of high quality
marijuana from the target living in a Blue Springs apartment. The case is continuing
into 2014.
GRAIN VALLEY – Detectives responded to interview a suspect arrested during a Grain
Valley car stop. Detectives were able to obtain information and secured a search
warrant for a residence in Grain Valley. The Detectives recovered over 1/2 pound of
methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription pills, 13 firearms, and over $5600.00 in US
currency.
GRANDVIEW-- Detectives responded to an address in Grandview reference a drug
complaint. The resident did not give consent to search but during the contact
Detectives were able to gain probable cause to obtain a search warrant. During the
execution of the search warrant, Detectives recovered 156 marijuana plants, 27 grams
of ready to use marijuana, prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia.
INDEPENDENCE – Undercover Detective had conducted 15 controlled purchases of
methamphetamine from a target living in Independence. One of the sources was
identified and a search warrant was executed in Independence. Detectives recovered
$3077 in US currency; 94 grams of methamphetamine, over 2.5 lbs. of marijuana, a
small marijuana grow operation, and numerous prescription pills.
LEE’S SUMMIT- An undercover Detective conducted 12 methamphetamine purchases from
a target that he would meet in Lee's Summit. A search warrant was obtained for the
residence of the target's source of supply, which was also in Lee's Summit. While
executing the search warrant, Detectives recovered over 102 grams of
methamphetamine and $1100.00 of JCDTF buy money.
LONE JACK – Detectives responded to an address in Lone Jack reference to a drug
complaint. Detectives were able to obtain consent to search from the residents.
Detectives then recovered 77 grams of marijuana, prescription pills, and $1835.00 in US
currency.
KANSAS CITY – Two undercover Detectives in regards to two separate cases purchased
methamphetamine from the same address in Kansas City. A search warrant was
obtained for the residence. During the execution of the warrant detectives recovered
253 grams of methamphetamine and 31 grams of cocaine.
OAK GROVE – In a six-day period of time Detectives used various investigative techniques
to obtain three search warrants for three different residences in Oak Grove. Two of the
search warrants were executed simultaneously and the other was executed on a
different day. A small amount of methamphetamine was recovered along with drug
paraphernalia during the execution of these warrants. Even though only a small amount
of methamphetamine was recovered the impact of the investigations was felt in Oak
Grove.
RAYTOWN – Detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence in Raytown after an
interview of a subject during a car stop. During the execution of the search warrant
Detectives recovered over 27 grams of methamphetamine.
SUGAR CREEK – Detectives responded to Sugar Creek on an in custody call out.
Detectives took possession of 11.5 grams of methamphetamine and conducted
interviews with the subjects that were in custody. Detectives received information on a
subject selling ounces of methamphetamine and are following up on the information.
One of the subjects interviewed may continue to provide information to detectives.
ORGANIZED CRIME DRUG ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE
Cocaine/Marijuana summary
The Jackson County Drug Task Force collaborated with the Lee’s Summit Police
Department, the Kansas City Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation
and the Drug Enforcement Administration resulting in the formation of an Organized
Drug Enforcement Task Force. This investigation targeted high level drug traffickers
operating in the Kansas City Metropolitan area who were also members and associates
of several Kansas City neighborhood-based gangs. These gangs, were notorious for
violence, and linked to scores of unsolved homicides, aggravated assaults, and
robberies.
This was a complex investigation involving cross program coordination of a parallel
investigation with DEA Kansas City, a Consolidated Priority Organizational Target
(CPOT) and Regional Priority Organizational Target (RPOT); the prevention of multiple
homicides without prematurely exposing the ongoing investigation and the disruption of
two major drug trafficking organizations in Kansas City.
In December, 2008, The Jackson County Drug Task Force initiated the investigation of
an individual responsible for the distribution of over 1,000 pounds of marijuana in the
south Kansas City and Grandview areas of Jackson County. The investigation of this
individual revealed a large scale cocaine and marijuana trafficking organization
involving several shootings and unsolved homicides in the Kansas City, Jackson
County, Missouri metropolitan area.
In June, 2009 the Lee’s Summit Police Department joined with the Jackson County
Drug Task Force as the drug investigation identified several individuals who were
responsible for the distribution of marijuana in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
The Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Lee’s Summit Police Department then
joined with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement
Administration and formed an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in
order to more effectively investigate and prosecute the identified Drug Trafficking
Organization. Again, this organization had been operating for several years and was
responsible for the distribution of large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana
and several firearms.
Over the next few months, with the information developed from these investigations,
Detectives conducted numerous purchases of illegal drugs including multiple pounds of
marijuana and ounces of crack cocaine.
The continuing investigation identified several extremely violent Kansas City
neighborhood gangs that were distributing large amounts of crack cocaine and
marijuana and had direct connections to the Mexican Cartel. The neighborhood gangs
included, South Side Posse, Five Ace Deuce, and 68th Street Bloods. These gangs
were linked to scores of unsolved homicides, aggravated assaults, drive-by shootings,
and robberies.
The drugs supplied by the Mexican Cartel and distributed in the Kansas City Region
amounted to 20 to 40 kilograms of cocaine and 1,500 pounds of marijuana monthly. To
put it in perspective, a kilogram of cocaine average cost is $25,000. It was estimated
that the gang’s profits were 7 million dollars weekly. The impact of the investigation
rippled from Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas, across Montana, Georgia,
Texas, Arizona, Colorado and down to Mexico.
Over the next two years the investigation expanded significantly.
In May 2013, thirty five (35) indictments were returned by the Grand Jury on sixteen
(16) individuals (nine (9) of which were previously indicted) in the second round of
indictments in reference to this investigation. Included were three (3) counts of
conspiracy to murder for hire and two (2) counts of possessing a machine gun in
furtherance of a crime of violence.
The following represents some of the highlights from this phase of the investigation.
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Approximately $244,000.00 U.S. currency seized.
Seizure of four residential properties.
Seizure of three vehicles and a 20 foot trailer modified to include a hidden
compartment used to transport cocaine, marijuana and money.
Seizure of 200 pounds of marijuana
Seizure of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine.
Seized 8 firearms, one of which is a fully automatic Mac 10, another of which
held 100 rounds of armor piercing bullets.
Disrupted Kansas City street gangs including the 68th Street Blood, Five Ace
Deuces, and South Side Posse.
During subsequent interviews of defendant in this case, Detectives have obtained
information on 22 separate homicides and 1 high profile aggravated assault.
Additional rounds of indictments being planned.
Detectives have interviewed hundreds of individuals regarding the community impact of
the investigation. The following theme has been constant: this investigation arrested
two of the biggest cocaine traffickers in the Kansas City area.
ORGANIZED CRIME DRUG ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE
Synthetic Marijuana/Bath Salts Summary
In February of 2013 Jackson County Drug Task Force initiated an investigation in to the
sales and manufacture of synthetic marijuana after complaints from local agencies and
numerous citizen complaints. During the course of the investigation it was learned that
several business (gas stations/liquor stores), in multiple cities were engaged in selling
K-2, a synthetic marijuana and “Bath Salts”, a substance similar to methamphetamine.
In May JCDTF met with the DEA and other LEA and agreed to target the synthetic drug
industry metro wide. To date there have been over 100 undercover purchases at over
30 locations, including but not limited to, Independence, Blue Springs, Raytown, Kansas
City, and Gladstone.
Lab results from the locations indicated that the following chemicals were being used:
UR-144, XLR-11, AM-2201, JWH-250, and JWH-018. This evidence consists of both
analog controlled substances and Schedule I controlled substances, depending on the
date purchased.
The ongoing investigation identified at least 16 prospective defendants in the targeted
organization. In addition, numerous packages containing the controlled substances
have been identified as being shipped from China. A coordinated effort to seize some of
the packages along with controlled deliveries to the addresses in the metro area with
the help of the US Postal Service has also been productive.
During one phase of the investigation a little over 10 kilograms of finished product and 3
kilograms of the Schedule I controlled substance/controlled substance analog powders
were seized.
This investigation was a coordinated effort spanning 10 months by several local law
enforcement agencies and federal agencies to include:
§
Jackson County MO Drug Task Force
§
Kansas City Missouri PD
§
Independence PD
§
Kansas City Kansas PD
§
Blue Springs PD
§
Raytown PD
§
Overland Park PD
§
Shawnee PD
§
Topeka PD
§
Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office
§
Missouri Highway Patrol
§
Buchanan County MO Drug Task Force
§
Gladstone Police Department
§
United States Drug Enforcement Administration
§
USDA-Office of Inspector General
§
DHS/USCIS/FDNS
§
DHS/HIS
§
Midwest HIDTA
§
US Postal Inspection Service
In September Search Warrants were obtained and executed at several convenience
stores located in Independence Missouri. Recovered during the searches were 34,127
packages of synthetic marijuana.
In October 48 search warrants were obtained and served throughout the metro area in
reference to this investigation resulting in the recovery of more than 250 pounds of
synthetic cannabinoids, “bath salts” and more than 3 Kilos of the powder chemicals
used to make synthetic marijuana.
The prosecution phase of this investigation will continue throughout most of 2014.
Drug Enforcement Administration Kansas City District
Office report on Synthetic Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids and Cathinones Seized from Kansas City
Convenience Stores
in Operation Snake Oil
Five Juveniles Hospitalized for Overdosing
SSCs and cash seized from two convenience stores in Independence, MO
DEA’s Kansas City (Kansas) District Office Tactical Diversion Squad and the Jackson
County (Missouri) Drug Task Force (JCDTF) executed search warrants at two
convenience stores in Independence, Missouri on September 5 and 6, 2013. The
search warrants were executed after DEA learned that five juveniles were hospitalized
at Center Point Hospital in Independence for overdosing on cannabinoids.
The juveniles had purchased smokable synthetic cannabinoid (SSC) products labeled
“King Kong” and “Megabitch” from the stores, investigation revealed. Both locations
were subjects of the ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force
(OCDETF) Operation Snake Oil. Undercover buys had recently been conducted at the
locations, and State search warrants were obtained. During the searches, agents and
officers arrested five individuals and seized a total of approximately 90 kilograms of
cannabinoids, five kilograms of cathinones, and $21,000 in U.S. currency. Additional
investigation concluded that the products were not tied to recent overdose incidents in
Georgia and Colorado.
SSCs were kept in a storage unit that was used to hold the cache when inventory in the stores dwindled.
The ten-month Special Operations Division-supported OCDETF/Priority Target
Organization investigation, was conducted by the DEA and the JCDTF with assistance
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Missouri Highway Patrol, Midwest HIDTA, St.
Joseph and Buchanan County (Missouri) Drug Task Force, Kansas City (Kansas) Police
Department, and the Blue Springs, Independence, and Kansas City, Missouri police
departments.
DRUG TRENDS
Methamphetamine continues to be a problem in the
Metropolitan area. It is readily available, user prices are
reasonable and purity levels are acceptable.
Law
enforcement in the area is faced with two primary issues
in addressing the sources of methamphetamine. Local
production of methamphetamine has decreased
significantly in Jackson County however, continues to be
a concern from both an enforcement aspect and as a
public safety issue.
Methamphetamine Labs
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Jackson
County
8
9
7
7
1
0
Missouri
1487
1774
1960
2096
1571
1105
Jackson County is seeing a decrease in methamphetamine clandestine laboratories.
Missouri however, is still listed as third in the nation in the number of methamphetamine
laboratories incidents recorded in the United States. The JCDTF works hand in hand
with most local pharmacies resulting in strict and real time enforcement of individuals
attempting to obtain pseudoephedrine to be utilized in the clandestine production of
methamphetamine. This partnership with the community and community businesses
has resulted in the significant decrease in methamphetamine laboratories in Jackson
County.
The more significant problem is the proliferation of imported methamphetamine. This
product is brought into the area in large quantities from California, Texas and the
Southwest Border States with the original source being organized drug trafficking
organizations from Mexico.
The Mexican drug traffickers of the imported
methamphetamine tend to work in both cells and structured groups. These groups can
be and are penetrated with longer-term investigations.
The leaders of these
organizations predominantly have no ties to the area or the United States and thus they
are flight risks. Members of the organization use multiple identities in an effort to
confuse authorities. Intelligence information has been received that some wholesalers
come to the area to deal large amounts of methamphetamine for a short period of time,
make what money they can and then leave the area.
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine is available
throughout the metropolitan area. Indications are
that cocaine will continue to be a problem because
the incoming amounts translate to a product that is
relatively affordable and easily procured. Crack and
powder cocaine are prevalent in Eastern Jackson
County and together are judged to be the number
three (3) and four (4) drugs of choice behind
marijuana and methamphetamine.
Generally
cocaine powder is brought into the metropolitan
area from Texas, the Southwest Border States and
California by Mexican drug trafficking organizations.
These organizations use a variety of transportation
techniques depending on the amount they are
bringing in. Once here the drug either sold in powder form or converted to crack.
Cocaine abuse ranges from casual users of powder to those addicted to crack and
other narcotics. Retail distributors are usually found to be individuals associated with
groups who have ties to Mexican drug trafficking organizations. These drug trafficking
organizations have direct ties to out of state and international sources. Enforcement
efforts and cooperative investigations have been, and continue to be, successful against
dealers, wholesalers and importers. Any Investigation into individuals or smaller groups
always focuses on moving up the distribution chain.
Heroin is becoming more prevalent and available within
the metropolitan area (including eastern Jackson County),
and is being seen on a more regular basis. Dealers are
frequently individuals who possess and sell only small
amounts. Many of the dealers and abusers know each
other and operate as a small subculture.
Marijuana is readily available in all areas of Jackson County. It is the most abused and
preferred drug in the area, and has commonly been referred to as the “gateway
drug”. Marijuana is commonly found to be used in combination with other drugs and / or
narcotics.
The source for imported marijuana is usually the Southwest Border States and
California. Mexican organizations bring it across the US border for distribution with
other drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Over the past few years, more
imported marijuana is being seen throughout the Metropolitan area.
Marijuana is either locally cultivated or imported into the area. In the suburban /
residential areas cultivation has been seen in small indoor grow operations. In rural
settings, outside the metropolitan area, marijuana is grown in large outdoor plots.
Mexican cartels have imported marijuana growers into rural areas and established large
outdoor grow operations. Enforcement of grow operations focuses on destruction of the
plants and prosecution of the offender, usually at the state level when there are no
extenuating circumstances or other crimes.
Designer Synthetic drugs are chemically laced substances similar to marijuana,
cocaine and methamphetamine. Based on their chemical makeup, these drugs are
commonly divided into two categories, Cannabinoids and Cathinones.
Cannabinoids, commonly known as K2 or spice, are chemically formulated versions of
synthetic marijuana that consist of a laboratory manufactured tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC). This synthetic drug can contain a vast range of chemicals formulations and
potencies that can be two to five hundred times stronger than THC. Synthetic
cannabinoids were originally developed in the early 2000’s to facilitate pharmacological
studies. In 2005 they began appearing in synthetic mixtures used to make drugs often
referred to as synthetic cannabis. This was the start of a trend of newly created
recreational designer drugs in European countries. In 2009 importation into the United
States and Canada began. The appearance is very similar to marijuana and composed
of a brown leafy plant material sprayed with the synthetic mixture. Once dried, it is
packaged for sale and labeled “Not for human consumption”.
Cathinones, often known as “bath salts”, contain chemical compounds that mimic the
effects of cocaine or methamphetamine. Bath salts are a powdered drug that contains
at least one amphetamine type substance. Typically, that is
methylenedioxypyrovalerone, known as MDPV. It can also be methylone or
mephedrone. As with any designer drug the composition of each batch can vary and
the drug can be smoked, snorted or injected. Bath salts are commonly marketed as
plant food and is labeled “not for human consumption” in order to circumvent laws
governing the supply of pharmaceuticals.
These designer drugs are extremely dangerous in that individual buyers do not know
what chemicals they are ingesting.
Designer drugs are commonly sold under the counter at gas stations, convenience
stores and tobacco and smoke shops throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area and
Jackson County.
The belief that any product manufactured with synthetic cannabinoids is legal is FALSE.
To date, all products containing either of these substances are regulated under
Schedule II of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.
Psilocybin mushroom seemed to have taken a decline in popularity within the past
year. The temporary rise in grow operations seems to have discontinued. Psilocybin
mushrooms are not widely available on the open market at this time indicating that
abuse is not widespread.
MDMA/Ecstasy and LSD is available in Eastern Jackson County. This is a concern
because MDMA/Ecstasy and LSD users tend to be high school and college aged youth.
Both of these drugs are known to be used at popular parties known as raves and in club
settings. Manufacture of these drugs involves a complex chemical process and there is
no known production in the area. LSD is imported from California in a variety of
different methods. MDMA/Ecstasy is manufactured and imported from outside the US.
LSD has been encountered in sporadic instances but it does not appear to hold the
popularity or availability it once had in the area.
PCP (phencyclidine) is recognized as an extremely dangerous drug due to its
psychological effect on users, and is rarely been seen within the area. PCP is often
applied to marijuana and smoked. In previous years, availability ranged from somewhat
limited in Eastern Jackson County to easily obtainable in the center of the metropolitan
area. Over the past year PCP is becoming more easily available within Eastern
Jackson County.
Oxycontin, Vicodin and other prescribed pharmaceutical drugs are commonly
abused in Jackson County. Diversion occurs through fraudulent prescriptions, “doctor
shopping”, robberies and burglaries. Abusers and dealers consist of individuals and / or
groups of individuals. Although not typically formed into organized groups, some of
these individuals are beginning to form into small networks for the purpose of
distribution and sales of the various pharmaceuticals. In several recent cases, the
suppliers are individuals that have obtained legitimate 30 day prescriptions, which they
in turn sell to the dealers at a drastic markup. The dealers would then sell the product
at 3-4 times their initial costs.
JACKSON COUNTY
DRUG TASK FORCE
2013
PRESS RELEASE
&
NEWS ARTICLES
Jackson County Drug Task Force Recognized
by Statewide Law Enforcement Organization
April 22, 2013 (KANSAS CITY, MO) – For the second consecutive year, the Jackson
County Drug Task Force has been named the Law Enforcement Unit of the Year by the
Missouri Narcotic Officers Association. County Executive Mike Sanders recognized the
work of the Task Force during this afternoon’s regular weekly meeting of the Jackson
County Legislature.
Over the last three years, the Task Force has assisted federal, state, and local law
enforcement agencies in helping to break up a major drug trafficking organization that
was distributing drugs in multiple states across the country. This investigation has led to
25 federal indictments thus far for crimes, including distribution of cocaine as well as
illegal firearms possession.
“The work of the Jackson County Drug Task Force is often more dangerous than any of
us could imagine, but these individuals continually put themselves at risk for the safety
of our community,” said County Executive Sanders. “For this group to be nominated and
selected by their peers in the law enforcement community is a tremendous honor.”
In 2012, the Drug Task Force seized over 1,000 grams of crack cocaine, nearly 600
pounds of marijuana, and 25 pounds of methamphetamine. The value of these seizures
alone is worth over $3 million. They also presented 349 cases for prosecution.
The Jackson County Drug Task Force was formed in 1985 and is comprised of
representatives from fourteen area law enforcement agencies including police
departments throughout the county as well as the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and
Missouri State Highway Patrol. The drug task force is funded by the county-wide
quarter-cent Community Backed Anti-Drug Sales Tax (COMBAT).
“I have been involved in law enforcement for 31 years and have had the opportunity to
work with numerous narcotics units throughout the metropolitan area,” said Jackson
County Sheriff Mike Sharp. “The one that continues to rise to the top is the Jackson
County Drug Task Force. I can attribute this to the leadership of the organization, the
integrity of the employees, and their ability to present cases for prosecution.”
NEWS RELEASE ARCHIVES | jacksongov.org
Missouri Chapter of the Midwest Gang
Investigators Association Award
Investigation of the Year
The Missouri Chapter of Midwest Gang Investigators Association (MGIA) will hold their
yearly training conference at the Ramada Oasis Hotel/Conference Center in Springfield,
MO on September 10-12, 2013 (flyer attached). As in past years, we present awards to
law enforcement professionals or agencies who have distinguished themselves in the
past year regarding enforcement or investigation of criminal street gangs.
This year we are proud to present “Investigation of the Year” awards to the Kansas City
FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and to the Lees Summit Police Department
for their collective efforts in the OCDETF investigation titled “Operation Diamond
Posse”.
We would like to make the presentations during our conference luncheon on
Wednesday, September 11th at Noon. However, we could also do it on September 12th
if that is better for scheduling of those involved.
Please advise if representatives of the listed agencies will be available to receive the
award, on behalf of the agencies involved. The MGIA will also be glad to provide
complimentary conference registrations to any of those involved for the 2.5 conference,
if they wish to attend.
Also, we hope any of you or your designee, who wishes to join us for lunch and the
award presentation, will do so. Just let me know who is attending.
Congratulations,
David Starbuck
Assistant Chief of Police
Grain Valley Police Department
16 men indicted for murder-for-hire,
drug-trafficking conspiracies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2013
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District
of Missouri, announced that several Kansas City, Mo., area residents are among 16
defendants indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a large drugtrafficking conspiracy and in an unsuccessful conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.
Andre Taylor, also known as “Dre,” 47, and his relatives, Harlan Taylor, also known as
“Bub,” 35, Raymond Taylor, 30, and Darryl Taylor, also known as “Cash Image” or
“Cash,” 35, all of Kansas City, Mo., and Carl Taylor, also known as “Biggs,” 34, of
Leavenworth, Kan.; as well as Kenneth Vaughn Cooper, 30, Eric Union, also known as
“E,” 29, Bryant Willis, also known as “Spaghetti,” 33, Daniel Howard, also known as
“Saw,” 39, and Tyrone A. Rock, 41, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Robert Taylor, also known
as “R,” 32, of Grandview, Mo.; Marlon M. Minton, also known as “M,” 40, of Raymore,
Mo.; Gregory Johnson, also known as “G,” 34, of Kansas City, Kan.; Allen L. Sanchez,
also known as “Homey,” 25, of Overland Park, Kan.; Ruben Machiche, also known as
“Cowboy,” 53, of Tucson, Ariz.; and Richard Schoen, also known as “Steve” or “White
Guy,” 51, of Cortez, Colo. were charged in a 10-count indictment returned by a federal
grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that most of the defendants – with the only exceptions of
Cooper and Union – have participated in a conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or
more of marijuana and five kilograms or more of cocaine since Feb. 1, 2010.
Andre Taylor, Cooper and Union are charged with participating in a conspiracy to
commit murder-for-hire. Today’s indictment alleges they conspired in August 2012 to
murder Billy Brown for a payment of $10,000, although the murder was not carried out.
Andre Taylor and Cooper are also charged with possessing a machine gun during a
crime of violence. The indictment alleges that they were in possession of a .45 ACP
M10-type machine gun on Aug. 21, 2012, in furtherance of the conspiracy to commit
murder-for-hire. Cooper is also charged with being an unlawful drug user in possession
of ammunition. The indictment alleges that Cooper, a user or addict of marijuana, was in
possession of 18 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition on Aug. 21, 2012.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Andre Taylor and Howard are charged
together in one count of distributing cocaine and Howard is charged with two additional
counts of distributing cocaine. Andre Taylor and Ray Taylor are also charged together in
one count of distributing cocaine and Raymond Taylor is charged with one additional
count of distributing cocaine.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants
to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged
violations, including residential property in Kansas City, Mo.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply
accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be
presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stefan C. Hughes. It was
investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jackson County Drug
Task Force, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Mo.,
Police Department.
Back to web version
Monday, Oct 28, 2013
Posted on Tue, Oct. 22, 2013
Area police raid operations trafficking in K2 synthetic
marijuana
By TONY RIZZO
The Kansas City Star
Despite the growing recognition of its dangerous side effects, the synthetic marijuana
industry has been able to keep a step ahead of law enforcement efforts to stop its open
sale.
That ended in a big way in the Kansas City area Tuesday, as police officers swept
across the metropolitan area in a coordinated attack on those who traffic in the drug.
The raids resulted from investigations that began as far back as mid-2012 — inquiries
that were prolonged by complicated lab tests that had to be conducted on the everevolving substances commonly called K2 or spice.
About a dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies took part in Tuesday’s
operation, which targeted gas stations, convenience stores and other businesses selling
the substances.
Officers served 45 search warrants in the Kansas City area and Topeka and made 31
arrests. By midafternoon Tuesday, about 24,000 individual packets of drugs had been
seized along with more than $100,000 in cash.
“This is just the beginning of the operation,” said Assistant Jackson County Prosecutor
Michael Hunt. “Our goal is to stop the trafficking of this illegal drug. We’ve had kids put
in the hospital and who have died from this.”
The substances are typically sold as colorfully named and packaged products, often
labeled as incense or potpourri. They are readily available online, and as Tuesday’s
police action showed, at a number of retail establishments.
The drugs are often marked as “not for human consumption,” but they are typically
smoked and purportedly mimic the effects of marijuana. But a number of serious health
problems and deaths across the country have been attributed to ingestion of the
substances, which has prompted the efforts to make them illegal.
Lawmakers in Kansas and Missouri have passed laws to criminalize the chemicals used
to produce the substances, but producers of the drugs thwarted those efforts by
tweaking their chemical formulas just enough to skirt those laws.
But both states have now passed broader legislation to encompass the whole class of
chemicals used to make K2.
Tuesday’s sweep was months in the planning, according to law enforcement officials.
At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Kansas City, Kan., police served search warrants at eight
businesses and three private homes, including one in Lenexa. The affected businesses
were shut down while officers processed the scenes for evidence.
Gladstone police targeted three businesses in their city. Topeka police said they also
served warrants at eight businesses in their area.
Kansas City, Kan., Police Detective Darren Koberlein said Tuesday’s action was the
culmination of an investigation that began in June 2012.
But unlike more traditional drug investigations where officers can conduct field tests to
detect the presence of cocaine or marijuana and make an immediate arrest, the
investigation into K2 requires more detailed laboratory testing that can take months to
complete, Koberlein said.
Dan Cummings, officer in charge of the Jackson County Drug Task Force, said that an
investigation in conjunction with Independence police started on the Missouri side at the
beginning of 2013.
Cummings said that the base chemicals used to manufacture the substances are
illegally imported from Asia. The packages being sold to users typically cost about $10
per gram, he said.
Said Hunt, the prosecutor: “As the size of today’s operation indicates, a lot of money is
changing hands.”
Koberlein said that the types of the drugs being sold today are much more potent than
marijuana and the types of K2 seen just a few years ago.
He said they are targeted to teenagers and young adults, and a number of bad
reactions and overdoses have been documented.
“It’s just disgusting,” he said of some of the effects he’s seen on users.
Reported side effects include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, seizures, kidney
damage and heart attacks. A study by the American Psychiatric Association found that
some users of K2 and substances like it end up suffering “prolonged psychotic
episodes” that include paranoid delusions and visual and auditory hallucinations.
Last week, a Gladstone teenager pleaded guilty to causing the Platte County traffic
crash death of a woman that occurred last October while he was under the influence of
synthetic marijuana.
The death of 25-year-old Ashley R. Miller in that wreck has also prompted a wrongfuldeath lawsuit against the driver, 18-year-old Logan T. Pope, and the owners of the
Gladstone smoke shop where he allegedly bought the synthetic marijuana.\
Officials said Tuesday that investigations into the sale of the substances is continuing,
and said they hoped it would send a message to others who think it’s OK to sell the
drugs.
“If you’re selling this stuff, we’re coming after you,” Hunt said.
The Star’s Glenn E. Rice contributed to this report.
© 2013 Kansas City Star and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved
JACKSON COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE COMMITMENT
Jackson County is a primary market area for production, distribution and abuse of
dangerous drugs. Although progress has been made in many areas, continued
vigilance, enforcement, treatment and education is required. The Jackson County Drug
Task Force will continue its successful tradition through community partnerships and a
united cooperative effort against illegal narcotics.
Although limited by financial and personnel constraints, the Jackson County Drug Task
Force will continue to provide the citizens of these communities the professional service
that they have come to deserve and expect. The members of this Task Force have
made a commitment to this office, the law enforcement profession and the citizens of
this community that no information concerning the illegal sales of narcotics will go
without proper investigation. With that in mind, we will strive to continue to improve on
the quality of service to this community.
The Jackson County Drug Task Force actively solicits tips and information regarding all
illegal narcotics activity. Should the information be related to a jurisdiction outside of
Jackson County, personnel from this office will assure that the information is passed on
to the proper investigative agency. Individuals having information to pass on may
contact this office through phone in complaints at 655-DRUG, via the JCDTF Web Site
or through the TIPS hotline, 474-TIPS.