WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS – 22 individuals in Wichita Falls, Texas, have been federally charged in connection with alleged drug trafficking activities.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton announced the charges on Monday, May 20.
Sixteen of the defendants were apprehended during a coordinated takedown operation on Thursday.
Multiple law enforcement tactical units were involved, including SWAT teams from five FBI divisions, the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), the Texas Department of Public Safety Special Response Teams, the U.S. Marshals, and the Wichita Falls Police Department.
The remaining six defendants were previously taken into custody.
The charges stem from criminal complaints alleging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to the complaints, the investigation began in March 2023, following intelligence received from confidential informants indicating that individuals associated with the Crips street gang were operating a methamphetamine distribution network in Wichita Falls and surrounding areas.
Over several months, law enforcement conducted multiple drug buys facilitated by confidential sources, which were documented through video and audio recordings.
Additionally, searches of suspects’ residences and vehicles yielded substantial quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and firearms.
To date, authorities have seized a significant amount of illicit substances, including methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, powdered fentanyl, and counterfeit Percocet pills laced with fentanyl, along with nine firearms.
If convicted, each defendant faces a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment in federal prison.
Joshua Carter