Houston County, TX — A long-term investigation into the alleged trafficking of illegal drugs and firearms led to 15 arrests during a multi-agency enforcement operation Tuesday, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Zak Benge said deputies with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Crockett Police Department began serving warrants and making arrests early Aug. 11 with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, Texas DPS Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Following the arrests, authorities executed a search warrant at a local residence and seized 10 firearms, including one confirmed stolen firearm from Houston County. According to the sheriff’s office, the weapons were found in the possession of two convicted felons.
Results From Tuesday’s Operation:
• 15 arrests
• 10 firearms seized, including one stolen firearm
• 123.4 grams of methamphetamine
• 834.6 grams of marijuana
• 657 grams of Ecstasy pills
• Two residential search warrants executed
Authorities said Tuesday’s operation was part of a much larger investigation spanning several months.
Overall Investigation Results:
According to information released by the sheriff’s office, the investigation has resulted in:
• More than 21,000 grams of illegal narcotics seized — approximately 46.3 pounds
• 22 firearms seized
• More than 20 buy-walk operations
• Four vehicles seized
• Five residential search warrants
• Approximately 20 suspects identified and investigated
The investigation involved numerous local, state and federal agencies, including Crockett Police, Madisonville Police, Lufkin Police Street Crimes Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, Texas DPS CID, Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, HSI, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. National Guard and Angelina County District Attorney’s Office.
Sheriff Benge said the operation reflected months of coordinated work between participating agencies and that the sheriff’s office intends to continue working with partner agencies against illegal drug and firearm activity in Houston County.
