In a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, members of the Austin County Regional Special Response Team (SRT) and Texas Department of Public Safety SRT executed arrest and search warrants on Friday, June 16, 2023. The operation, which took place at approximately 6:00 AM, targeted two residences located in the 900 block of Fannin Street and the 400 block of Malleck Street in Columbus, Texas. The joint effort was the culmination of an extensive narcotics investigation conducted by the Westside (HIDTA) Narcotics Task Force.
The task force had been diligently working on leads and investigating reports of drug distribution from the targeted residences. Suspects Rovin Denley, aged 62, Darrel King, aged 44, and April Mingetti, also aged 44, were arrested without incident during the operation. These arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-related crimes in the area.
During the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement officials discovered a substantial cache of illegal substances. The seized items included crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, ecstasy pills, and marijuana. The presence of firearms and a significant amount of United States currency were also found at the residences. These findings indicate a sophisticated and organized operation that law enforcement agencies have effectively disrupted.
The charges filed against Denley and King go beyond mere possession of drugs. They now face charges of Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. This suggests that these individuals may have been key players in the drug distribution network targeted by the investigation.
The Westside Narcotics Task Force, responsible for overseeing the operation, operates across four counties. It comprises investigators from various law enforcement agencies, including the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville PD, Sealy PD, Hempstead PD, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Their coordinated efforts have yielded positive results in combating drug-related crimes in the region.
The success of this operation would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of the Colorado County Attorney’s Office. The exchange of information and resources between law enforcement agencies plays a vital role in the effectiveness of such investigations.
It is worth noting that the operation was conducted with the assistance of K-9 units from the Waller County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office. These highly trained canines and their handlers are an invaluable asset in detecting the presence of drugs and locating hidden contraband.
The arrests made and the seizure of narcotics demonstrate the commitment and unwavering dedication of law enforcement agencies in their tireless efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect our communities.
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