Snap 01-25-07

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Project of South Dakota

METH Awareness And Prevention Project of South Dakota

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January 25

In Nebraska - A 27-year-old man received a sentence of three years and one month in prison for distributing Meth. He was also ordered to pay more than a thousand dollars in restitution and serve four-years of supervised release after his prison time. He was convicted of selling approximately one-ounce of Meth to a confidential informant in September 2005.

In Texas - State troopers seized about 8.5 pounds of Meth during a traffic stop. After troopers stopped the car, a routine check showed that the driver of the vehicle, a 23-year-old man, had an outstanding warrant out of California. A search of the car revealed 15 bundles of Meth hidden inside the vehicle's gas tank. Investigators believe the load was headed for Oklahoma City.

In Kansas – A federal grand jury indicted three suspects with a Meth distribution conspiracy. The three men, 43-, 39- and 35-years-old, each face from 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $4 million if convicted of conspiracy.

In Texas - A former newspaper chief photographer was sentenced to federal prison, along with four others involved in a Meth-distribution ring spanning three states. The latest sentences bring the number of convictions in the Operation Icebox up to 18. Investigators say the group sold Meth in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. The former Chief Photographer, a 44-year-old man, was sentenced to three years for possessing with the intent to distribute 25 grams of Meth; he faced up to 20 years. The judge granted a $50,000 judgment against him and also ordered he undergo drug treatment and serves three years of supervised release after his prison term. Also being sentenced for their roles in the Meth distribution conspiracy: a 22-year-old man received two, 10-year-terms – one for possessing Meth with intent to distribute and one for being an illegal alien in possession of an SKS assault rifle; a 28-year-old man was sentenced to 14-years for conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 10 kilograms of Meth - he faced up to life in prison; a 43-year-old man was sentenced to six and one-half years in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 37 grams of Meth; and a 41-year-old woman was sentenced to six years for possessing with the intent to distribute 250 grams of Meth. She was arrested when she distributed 250 grams of Meth and used her 10-year-old son as a cover, hiding the drugs in her son's jacket.

In New Mexico - A 43-year-old man was arrested on drug charges after allegedly throwing crystal Meth out of his truck window as he attempted to evade police. He is charged with possession of Meth with the intent to traffic, tampering with evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting, evading or obstructing a police officer. A police commander said that the suspect is one of several people operating in an organization bringing many pounds of Meth into the area each week for quite some time. He said the Meth originates in Mexico, is brought into the United States through Arizona, and then is disbursed throughout the state. Authorities are seeking federal drug charges against the suspect.

In Georgia – Two men, 38- and 34-years-old, were arrested when deputies found Meth and the tools to make more in the back of one suspect’s pick up truck. A deputy confiscated at least two 8-balls of Meth from the truck.

In Alabama - A 25-year-old kindergarten teacher and her 28-year-old husband were arrested at their home, where officers found about $4,100 of crystal Meth when they executed a search warrant. They both face charges of trafficking illegal drugs. Another man, 33-years-old, was visiting at the home. He was also arrested and charged with trafficking in any illegal drug.

In California -A 26-year-old man arrested on charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance at a shopping center is suspected of possessing a quarter-pound of Meth. A citizen flagged down a passing police car to report a man walking near some bushes was acting strangely. After approaching and talking to the suspect, the officer believed he was under the influence of a stimulant and performed a field test for drugs, which came back positive. A search of the suspect turned up a small bag of white powder that tested as Meth and a Meth pipe. When officers searched the area where the suspect had been pacing, they found three bags on the sidewalk, each containing an ounce of Meth. Police say the suspect has a history of arrest for similar offenses.

In Arkansas - A father and son were arrested at their duplex and face Meth-related charges. The son lives on one side of the duplex, the father on the other. The son told a television news crew that when officers showed up at his door, he passed drugs to his father through a hidden door that connects the two apartments in the duplex. Authorities say they found about a pound of Meth and items for Meth manufacturing on the property. The son claims he sold drugs to make extra cash, but he denies making Meth at his home.