A methamphetamine trafficking investigation hit its peak with the July 3 arrest of a Walters man.
On Thursday, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) and other law enforcement agencies turned investigation into action with an arrest warrant sweep through Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas.
The conclusion of the 8-month investigation included an alliance of federal, state and local law enforcement offices working together to serve 21 arrest warrants through out Lawton and the Burkburnett and Wichita Falls, Texas area. According to Mark Woodward, OBN spokesman, those targeted are all tied together with one main source.
“This investigation began in November of 2018 after receiving information about in individuals trafficking and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Lawton and the Wichita Falls, Texas area,” Woodward said. “During the investigation, we identified approximately 21 individuals connected to the movement and sales of meth.”
The investigation’s main target, Joshua Watts, 41, of Walters, would routinely get anywhere between “2 and 10 pounds” of meth that he would then distribute to people who would sell it, Woodward said. Watts was arrested by OBN agents on July 3 for a felony count of knowingly concealing stolen property.
“At the time of the arrest, Watts was in possession of approximately a quarter-pound of methamphetamine and a firearm,” Woodward said.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Watts was arrested for a felony warrant while at the Days Inn Hotel, 601 NW 2nd. He was carrying a small hand bag that contained a baggie of methamphetamine, a glass jar containing marijuana, a chamber loaded Smith & Wesson hand gun with 10 rounds of ammunition inside, digital scales and multiple other items of drug paraphernalia including syringes when arrested. The affidavit states the meth weighed 121 grams, including the baggie.
Watts, who has six prior convictions, made his initial appearance July 3 in Comanche County District Court where he received a felony charge of trafficking in illegal drugs as well as misdemeanor counts of possession of controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, records indicate. The felony is punishable by up to 20 years in prison but due to his prior record, he would be eligible to up to life in prision, if convicted.
Records indicate he made an additional initial appearance July 5 in Comanche County District Court where he received additional charges of trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $1 million, records indicate.
An additional felony count of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine was filed Thursday in Comanche County District Court.
All of Watts’ prior convictions are from Comanche County: May 2001, possession of sawed-off shotgun/rifle; October 2001, possession of a firearm after former felony conviction; February 2009, embezzlement and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction; and October 2017, felony eluding and unlawful possession of controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, records indicate.
Watts returns to court at 3 p.m. Aug. 15 for his preliminary hearing conference.
“This case is a perfect example of enforcement agencies coming together to ensure our communities are kept safe,” said John Scully, OBN director. “The individuals targeted in this investigation, if gone unabated, could poison entire communities with their illicit drugs. OBN will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure a positive quality of life for our citizens.”
Woodward said six of the 21 arrest warrants served Thursday were in the Wichita Falls, Texas, area, the other 15 were from the Lawton area. The OBN set up a command center in Building 900 at the Great Plains Technology Center to conduct the booking process for those taken into custody.
“We have nine people in custody,” Woodward said at noon. “This will take a few days. If we get half of then the first day, it’s a pretty good day.”
By the end of the day 11 arrests were made with more expected over the next few days, Woodward said. Those arrested face a variety of charges, to include conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine.
Woodward credited the cooperative efforts of the Lawton Police Department, U.S. Marshal Service and the District III and District VI Drug Task Forces.