Possible Okmulgee County meth ring targeted

BY JERRY WOFFORD World Staff Writer
Thursday, January 31, 2013
1/31/13 at 3:07 PM

Authorities in Okmulgee County served 21 arrest warrants to people Thursday morning in an alleged methamphetamine distribution ring.

Law enforcement officers from several agencies began serving the arrest warrants and five search warrants at 6 a.m. Thursday aimed at breaking up an alleged ring that imported between two and five pounds of crystal meth a month, said Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control spokesman Mark Woodward.

In April 2012, the bureau began investigating a large meth distribution ring in Okmulgee, Woodward said in a press release. This group would import significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine or "ice" into the Okmulgee area to supply local dealers and users.

The narcotics bureau, Okmulgee Police Department, Henryetta Police Department and the District 25 Drug Task Force participated in the investigation and Thursday's arrests.

"Today, we inflicted a critical blow to the methamphetamine trade in the Okmulgee area with the arrest of these individuals," said narcotics bureau director Darrell Weaver in a release. "The cooperation between local law enforcement and OBN was superb, and I am very pleased. We must continue to be vigilant in our stance against this devilish drug."

Those arrested were transported to the Okmulgee County Jail and face charges including aggravated trafficking and distribution of a controlled and dangerous substance, Woodward said.

More arrests are possible in the case, he said.

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Image provided by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics