Houston County Investigation Leads to 15 Arrests, Seizures of Drugs and Firearms
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY — A long-term investigation into the illegal trafficking of drugs and firearms has resulted in 15 arrests, the seizure of 22 firearms and the recovery of more than 21,000 grams of illegal narcotics, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The latest phase of the investigation began early Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, when deputies with the HCSO, officers with the Crockett Police Department and agents from several state and federal agencies began serving warrants and making arrests connected to the case.
The operation resulted in two residential search warrants being executed, 10 firearms being seized and 15 arrests being made. One of the firearms was confirmed stolen.
The U.S. Marshals Service reported that the narcotics seized during Tuesday’s operation included 123.4 grams of methamphetamine, 834.6 grams of marijuana and 657 grams of Ecstasy pills.
The combined weight of those three categories of narcotics was approximately 1,615 grams.
According to Sheriff Zak Benge, the firearms seized during a search of a local residence were in the possession of two convicted felons. The sheriff’s statement did not identify the individuals or specify the charges filed as a result of Tuesday’s arrests.
While the latest operation produced significant seizures, law enforcement officials emphasized that Tuesday’s results represent only one portion of the broader investigation.
Since the investigation began, law enforcement agencies have seized well over 21,000 grams of illegal narcotics. That amount is equivalent to approximately 46.3 pounds.
The investigation has also resulted in the seizure of 22 firearms, more than 20 buy-walk operations, four vehicles and five residential search warrants. Approximately 20 suspects have been identified and investigated as part of the long-term effort.
Benge said the scope of the investigation demonstrates why local agencies must maintain partnerships with outside law enforcement organizations.
“When I took office, I said we would work with anyone and everyone to combat illegal activity in our county,” Benge said. “Our office simply does not have the personnel and finances to work long-term, large-scale operations. Therefore, we rely on outside help and make ourselves available to assist in any way possible.”
Benge also addressed the belief that arrests involving small amounts of drugs are insignificant.
“You routinely hear the comment that someone arrested for a small amount of drugs is trivial, but yesterday highlighted the need for that work to continue and showed what a small arrest can lead to long term,” he said.
The sheriff said the investigation’s results were made possible by many months of cooperation between local, state and federal agencies.
“I am proud of our involvement with these agencies to blunt the spread of illegal narcotics and the results that came from many, many months of hard work,” Benge said. “We will continue to work with our partner agencies to deter any and all illegal activity in Houston County.”
The U.S. Marshals Service also praised the cooperation among the participating agencies.
“Yesterday’s operation highlighted what can be accomplished when multiple agencies come together and work toward a common goal,” the agency said in a statement. “The results speak for themselves.”
The agencies credited with participating in the operation and broader investigation include the Crockett Police Department; Madisonville Police Department; Lufkin Police Department Street Crimes Unit; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas in Lufkin; Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division offices in Lufkin, Bryan, Conroe and Longview; Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Houston County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. National Guard; and the Angelina County District Attorney’s Office.
The U.S. Marshals Service acknowledged that the list may not include every agency or individual who assisted with the investigation.
The operation remains part of an ongoing investigation. Additional information about the suspects, specific criminal charges and the cases filed in connection with Tuesday’s arrests was not available at press time.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
