David Waterman, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, says an investigation of an alleged meth trafficking ring operating in central Iowa has led to indictments against 14 people.
“Illegal drug trafficking can have devastating consequences,” Waterman said during a news conference. “It fuels addiction, contributes to overdoses, and harms families and communities. Our message is straightforward: when individuals or criminal organizations seek to distribute illegal drugs into Iowa we will follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
Search warrants were executed Tuesday at locations in Marshalltown, Perry and Des Moines. Waterman said eight vehicles and 10 residences as well as cell phones were searched. “During the operation law enforcement seized suspected methamphetamine and marijuana,” Waterman said, “approximately $22,000 in US currency, six firearms, 18 phones, one laptop and one tablet.”
Eugene Kowel, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Omaha field office, said their investigation began in January. “As a result of this case…240 law enforcement officers from 17 different agencies came together as we conducted a joint operation to dismantle this group,” Kowel said. “The majority of the arrests were conducted without incident. There was one subject who barricaded himself in a residence, but our FBI SWAT team was able to take him safely into custody.”
Eleven defendants have made their initial court appearance and their trial is scheduled for November 30. Nine of those defendants are from Marshalltown, one is from Perry and the other is from Des Moines. Three other people were taken into custody Tuesday, but they’re part of a separate indictment and have not yet been charged.