Drug Bust in Hempstead: Austin County SRT Seizes Narcotics and Arrests Suspect

In the early hours of Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Austin County Regional Special Response Team (SRT) carried out a search warrant in the 1500 Block of Third Street in Hempstead, Texas. This operation was part of an ongoing narcotics investigation led by the Westside Narcotics Task Force (HIDTA) following complaints of drug activity at the residence.

The defendant, identified as Ozell Gillum (47) of Hempstead, Texas, was arrested after the search uncovered quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and a firearm. Gillum has been charged with Manufacture and/or Delivery of a Controlled Substance PG 1. Following his arrest, Gillum was transported and booked into the Waller County Jail without incident.

The Hempstead Police Department collaborated in the execution of the search warrant. The Westside Narcotics Task Force, which covers four counties, includes investigators from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville Police Department, Sealy Police Department, Hempstead Police Department, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.