Fentanyl, heroin, LSD among the drugs seized — valued in excess of $500,000
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have broken up a major drug ring after months of investigation, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Early Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s office and several other agencies executed a total of nine search warrants in Barton County in what Bellendir called “Operation Snowplow.”
The investigation began as a cocaine distribution case. Detectives had used undercover techniques to purchase illicit drugs. The case mushroomed drastically into a major distribution case involving all types of drugs, according to Bellendir.
Of particular concern was the fact the detectives came into possession of imitation hydrocodone tablets. The tablets had been manufactured to look like 5 mg hydrocodone prescription drugs. Upon analysis, it was discovered the tablets contained fentanyl, an extremely powerful painkiller, more powerful than morphine.
Fentanyl is far more likely to cause an overdose leading to death. Further lab analysis showed these tablets to be some of the strongest ever analyzed in the State of Kansas. Also, during the course of the investigation detectives obtained quantities of black tar heroin. Heroin has not been common in western Kansas for nearly two decades. Heroin is particularly dangerous due to its addictive qualities and tendency to cause overdoses. Investigation indicates a strong likelihood most of these drugs originated in Mexico and were smuggled into the United States. Evidence of money order and wire transfers of money to Mexico were also discovered by law enforcement.
Substantial quantities of illicit drugs were seized during the operation. Deputies are in the initial stages of weighing and processing the evidence. The following are estimated total amounts.
200 doses of LSD, 10 kilos of high-grade marijuana, 1.5 kilos marijuana wax, 2 ounces of black tar heroin, 160 fluid ounces of liquid codeine, 1 kilo of methamphetamine, 2 kilos suspected china white heroin, 8 oz. cocaine,6 oz. suspected Fentanyl
Estimated street value of the drugs is believed to be in excess of $500,000.
Along with the drugs, sheriff’s deputies seized three firearms — one rifle and two shotguns. One of these shotguns had been sawed off to approximately 12 inches. Multiple rounds of 00 buckshot were found with the gun.
The sheriff’s office also seized more than $25,000 cash and three vehicles. It is anticipated that asset forfeiture proceedings will be filed on the cash and vehicles. The sheriff’s office is also considering the seizure of real estate related to the case.
Authorities also arrested:
• Iban Martine –Enrique, 21, Great Bend, for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of marijuana, distribution of heroin, possession of paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, and no drug tax stamp bond is set at $100,000.00
• Miguel Gonzalez, 22, Great Bend, for possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia, and criminal use of a firearm bond $10,000.00
• Candice Johnson, 42, Great Bend, for distribution of Methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia Bond is set at $100,000.00
• Kennedy Beakey, 19, Great Bend, for distribution of a Hallucinogenic and possession of paraphernalia. Bond is set at $50,000.00
• Pedro Garcia, 20, Great Bend, for possession of a stimulant, and possession of paraphernalia bond was set at $10,000.00 He has bonded out of jail.
• Vincente Espino, 51, Great Bend, for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of heroin, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of LSD and distribution of marijuana. Bond set at $100000.00
Deputies were unable to locate one suspect and seek the public’s assistance in finding Murel Dean Amador. Amador is a Hispanic male, 63 years of age, 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, brown eyes, black hair, which is balding and graying. Amador is wanted for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Warrants from the Barton County District Court have been issued. If you have information as to Amador’s location, call 911.
Monday’s investigation netted the widest variety and largest quantity of drugs seized by the sheriff’s office in approximately the last 30 years, according to Bellendir.
Officers from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, Rush County Sheriff’s Office, and Rice County Sheriff’s Office assisted with Monday’s drug bust. Command officers from the Great Bend Fire Department were present in the event of accidental overdose or injuries during the operation.