A major law enforcement operation in Missouri on Oct. 2 led to the arrest of 22 individuals and the seizure of drugs, weapons, cash and drug packaging materials according to court documents. Two of the individuals taken into custody have been charged with illegally possessing firearms. The other 20 individuals arrested are alleged to have been involved in drug trafficking activities in the Kansas City area. Two of them also face charges of maintaining a property to manufacture and distribute narcotics.
About 200 local state and federal law enforcement officers and agents took part in the operation. Search warrants were executed at several Kansas City residences that led to the discovery and seizure of about 350 grams of heroin and undisclosed quantities of marijuana and cocaine. Approximately $75,000 in U.S. currency and 23 guns were also seized. Evidence of drug trafficking discovered by officers and agents included digital scales, packaging materials and ledger books allegedly containing details of narcotics transactions.
The Department of Justice assigned its Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force to lead the operation. Agencies taking part included the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the U.S. Marshalls Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Kansas City, Independence and Lee’s Summit Police Departments.
Operations such as this one often cast a very wide net, but that does not mean that the evidence collected is able to prove criminal activity beyond reasonable doubt against all of the individuals taken into custody. When representing suspects apprehended during drug sweeps, experienced criminal defense attorneys may study law enforcement reports carefully. When the cases against their clients are less than compelling or rely on the uncorroborated testimony of other defendants, attorneys may seek to have drug charges reduced or dismissed.