nebraska drug bust names 2020

The charges allege a firearms conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act); drug trafficking crimes; and multiple charges of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes. An official website of the United States government. All are in custody without incident. The Nebraska State Patrol says in a news release that the marijuana was found Saturday afternoon, when a trooper noticed a commercial box truck stopped on the shoulder of eastbound I-80 near Cozad and stopped to help. The indictment was unsealed today and appearances by the defendants are scheduled to begin Monday, November 23, 2020, before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl R. Zwart in Lincoln. One of largest drug busts in Nebraska history announced (Photo by Bill Kelly, NET News). . U.S. Attorney Kelly praised the efforts of the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Attorneys Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other agencies for coming together on this investigation and prosecution. The auto detailing shop in Blue Hill, Nebraska raided by the FBI this week. Connecting Nebraska through PBS, NPR and original content for nearly 70 years. Press Releases | DEA.gov The Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sheriff's Department were among 29 law enforcement agencies that worked on one of the . I am the Cops & Courts Reporter for the Grand Island Independent. February 21, 2023. This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justices signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Nebraska law enforcement agencies involved in the operation and investigation also included the Central City Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol. State troopers have found a massive load of marijuana worth about $5 million in a disabled commercial truck on Interstate 80 in south-central Nebraska. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Austin Galvan, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for felon in possession of ammunition. Nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana found in truck in Nebraska. The trooper later became suspicious that the truck was involved in criminal activity, and it was towed to a patrol office in Lexington and searched. We will continue to investigate, arrest, and charge violent gang members who terrorize our community. The U.S. Attorney of the Nebraska District, Deb Gilg, referred to those taken into custody as a 'Whos Who' of major meth dealers in western Nebraska, likely supplied by drug cartels based in Mexico. A series of previous arrests stretching over the last three years brought on even more leads culminating in the police sweep this week. A locked padlock Kelly added, Federal statutes provide effective tools to combat violent crimes involving firearms and the cooperation of all levels of law enforcement, as here, will keep our communities safe., After todays arrests, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, Protecting the public from violent criminals is a fundamental core of the FBI's mission. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Eric D. Colclasure, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. The individuals received federal indictments for distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Thomas Costanza, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession of a firearm by a felon. The Panhandle's WING drug task force was among those honored Tuesday in North Platte for its role in a drug bust dubbed the "largest drug bust in Nebraska history." The task force was recognized . All arrests were made without incident. Milan Alexander, 42, who maintains residences in both Joplin and Webb City, was charged in a four-count . Feds indict 60 in Nebraska's biggest-ever drug sweep, U.S. attorney says These communities developed solutions. Feb 24, 2016 Updated Sep 3, 2020. While all of those arrested will still face trial and are presumed innocent until found guilty, Gilg estimated more than 90 percent of the drug cases originating from a federal grand jury in the Omaha District have ended in guilty verdicts or plea agreements. Putting these suspects in jail, he said, certainly impacted the safety of the citizens of North Platte for the better. Grand Island police officers surrounded the church., which is at 422 W. Second St. Seven from Panhandle indicted in 'one of the largest drug busts in While there are no indications of a local presence of cartel representatives, and there was no large-scale coordination of controlling regional drug trafficking, law enforcement officials involved in the investigation say the arrests succeeded in smashing individual meth dealer groups in a number of communities. Today a violent gang has been dismantled. "Monster" drug bust in Nebraska fills busses with meth dealer suspects The day before the raids more than 100 law enforcement officers gathered in a North Platte National Guard armory for a briefing on the mass raid. saved Bragg's life in the October 2020 crash on Nebraska . Other entities taking part were the Alliance Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriffs Department, Cheyenne County Sheriffs Department, Cozad Police Department, Dawson County Sheriffs Department, Deuel County Sheriffs Department, Gering Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Kearney Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriffs Department, North Platte Police Department, Ogallala Police Department, Perkins County Sheriffs Department, Red Willow County Sheriffs Department, Scottsbluff Police Department, Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs Department, Sidney Police Department, U.S. The trooper later became suspicious that the truck was involved in criminal activity, and it was towed to a patrol office in Lexington and searched. On the states south central border, residents of Blue Hill, in Webster County (population 915). At least one of the 63 people indicted is a Grand Island resident, Elliott said. North Platte Police Chief Mike Swain told reporters his department began to see a growing problem with drug trafficking in the community several years ago and reached out to other agencies for assistance. An Arizona man who was driving the truck was arrested. . For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian. Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 9 months' incarceration for Conspiracy to . An Indictment is simply an accusation. While only a small amount of meth was found in the possession on the day of their arrest, Gilg cautioned that should not be seen as an indication of the volume of drugs these suspects are accused of moving through the region, calling it only a snapshot on a single day.. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). On the states south central border, residents of Blue Hill, in Webster County (population 915), told a reporter from NTV a local auto detailing shop was raided by FBI agents and sheriffs deputies. Over the past year investigators, using informants and confidential methods, were able to track the meth deliveries through four states as they made their way north from the Mexican production facilities into Colorado and Nebraska. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Catherine Gibson, 45, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her role in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Engaging more than 1 million Nebraskans each month through television, radio, online and mobile platforms.Your support is essential! The Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sheriffs Department were among 29 law enforcement agencies that worked on one of the largest drug busts in Nebraska history. Omaha NE 68102, Omaha:(402) 661-3700 That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into this drug conspiracy involving this operation.. Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for drug trafficking and illegally possessing firearms. You have to understand we are talking about pounds and pounds and pounds of meth that these people were moving, said the law enforcement officer, speaking anonymously because they did not have authorization to speak publicly. Asked whether there will be a long-term impact on drug sales in the state, Col. Rice told reporters these arrests should be a warning to anyone who tries to come in and take their place.. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 26 unsealed Indictments charging 28 defendants. One of largest drug busts in Nebraska history announced. The charges allege a firearms conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act); drug trafficking crimes; and multiple charges of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes. District of Nebraska | News | United States Department of Justice News | Nebraska State Patrol Deborah R. Gilg, U.S. attorney for Nebraska, announced on Tuesday that 63 individuals have been indicted as part of a yearlong Department of Justice investigation into a methamphetamine conspiracy in central and western Nebraska and northeastern Colorado. a local auto detailing shop was raided by FBI agents and sheriffs deputies. Lock 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. Have a question about Government Services? You can cancel at any time. This case was primarily investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department with operational assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office and the United States Marshals Service. Suspects were brought to local jails for processing before being turned over to U.S. Marshalls for transport to Omaha for preliminary hearings in Federal District Court. Legislature Nixes Food Benefits for Released Drug Offenders, Interdisciplinary Roundtable Seeks to Address Opioid Challenges, Federal Judge Allows Nebraska Execution To Move Forward. Updated: 12:18 PM CDT Aug 17, 2020 State troopers have found a massive load of marijuana worth about $5 million in a disabled commercial truck on Interstate 80 in south-central Nebraska. =-=-= Follow Jeff on Twitteror onFacebook=-=-=. U.S. Attorney of the Nebraska District Deb Gilg talks with the media at a news conference on the regional drug investigation Friday in North Platte. Someone found the victim Sunday, the sheriff's office andHamilton County Attorney's Office said. You have permission to edit this article. Everyone loves a parade, especially when you are robbing a bank. The logistics of the operation were epic. 2020 (875) 2019 (939) 2018 (840) 2017 (911) 2016 (877) 2015 (921) 2014 (843) 2013 (840) 2012 (303) 2011 (847) 2008 (10) 2007 (18) . That operation was reportedly run out of a ranch house south of Big Springs, Nebraska just off the intersection of Interstates 80 and 76. At approximately 3:35 p.m. Sunday, a trooper was on patrol on 27th Street near Interstate 80 in Lincoln when he saw what appeared to be two vehicles that had just had a crash. The coordination and cooperation in this investigation is a tremendous tribute to the selfless dedication we see time and time again with our law enforcement agencies. This is an incredible effort involving nearly 30 law enforcement agencies, Gilg said in a news release. Colonel Bradley Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said he had never, never seen a roundup run so smoothly.. An Arizona man who was driving the truck was arrested. Official websites use .gov The Grand Island Police Department is part of the Central Nebraska Tri-Cities Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which was involved in the joint operation. The first of 60 suspected meth dealers appeared in federal court in Omaha Friday following their arrest in a groundbreaking series of police raids in western Nebraska and Colorado. (Courtesy NBC Nebraska). United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Raymond McGaugh, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha on February 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Please subscribe to keep reading. Two years ago, we were gathered in North Platte to honor many of these same law enforcement officers who were being recognized with an award from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Gilg added. 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 The operation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, also included investigators from the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement Drug Task Force and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group, as well as Colorado law enforcement authorities. This 50-year-old cold case has yet to be solved. Nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana found in truck in Nebraska - KCCI NORTH PLATTE, Neb. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Our Safe Streets Task Force is committed tocreating a higher quality of life for all residents in Lincoln by eliminating the threat of gang violence., Lincoln Chief of Police Jeffrey Bliemeister stated, The collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies combined with the support of the citizens of Lincoln are critical to impacting violent crime. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Bath Par Kuol, 27, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A western Nebraska drug trafficking operation was dismantled by a joint law enforcement operation last week, according to the FBI. As of Friday afternoon, seven people were still at large. 2020 (184) 2019 (185) 2018 (133) 2017 (91) 2016 (116) 2015 (127 . FBI says it has taken down western Nebraska drug trafficking operation Constance Baasch, 68, of rural Grand Island, died on Feb. 28 from injuries suffered in October. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Socorro Alejandres Alvarez, 32, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska, Twelve Lincoln Gang Members Indicted in Violent Crime and Firearms Conspiracy, Omaha Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Felon In Possession of Ammunition, Omaha Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Firearms and Methamphetamine Charges, Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Twelve Lincoln Gang Members Indicted In Violent Crime and Firearms Conspiracy. Editor's Note: This story was updated Friday 2/26/16 at 1:50 p.m. CT. Get the latest from around Nebraska delivered to your inbox. Several were well known to local law enforcement with many previous drug-related arrests. So many individuals were arrested at least one bus had to be used to make the trip. Dean Elliott said. A locked padlock Have a question about Government Services? Teams of local and federal officers were deployed to locations across the region and arrests began at exactly the same time to reduce the chance those being pursued would warn one another. . I welcome news tips! Read More. A lock ( Defendants are presumed innocent until evidence proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. District of Nebraska | Twelve Lincoln Gang Members Indicted in Violent By Bill Kelly , Senior Producer/Reporter Nebraska Public Media. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Claude Parker, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Felon in Possession of Ammunition.