Ongoing investigation results in drug related arrests

John Danner is being held on
$25,000 bond facing
Distribution of a Controlled
Substance charges

Operation Spring Weed Killer results in arrests and confiscation of drugs and paraphernalia

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office and the CNET Drug Task force has wrapped up a drug investigation that lasted approximately two months and spanned multiple counties. The investigation started in late December with multiple purchases of drugs from multiple locations.

The Operation kicked off on February 15th with a search warrant at 406 East Cedar Street in Rich Hill. The house was occupied by one adult female and one juvenile female. The adult female was taken into custody at the time of the search warrant. The male who was a target of the investigation was not at home at the time. He later returned to the residence and was taken into custody. Charges are pending on the male subject. During the search of the residence, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were recovered. The female was later released to care for the juvenile. Charges on the female are being reviewed at this time.

At the same time, members of the Sheriff’s Office began to search for a second subject of its investigation and a short time later located the subject at 419 East Elm Street in Rich Hill. John W Danner and another female was located at the residence in the front yard and taken into custody. A search of the subjects revealed a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Danner was charged with Distribution of a controlled substance and bond was set at $25,000.00 cash or surety. Charges are being reviewed on the female.

The investigation continued on Feb. 17th with members of the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Bates County Sheriff’s Office and the CNET Drug Task Force executing a search warrant in Nevada, Missouri. The subject of the investigation was not at home at the time. Charges of Distribution of a controlled substance are being sought in connection with the search warrant.

A third search warrant was executed during the operation in another jurisdiction. Details of that search warrant are unavailable at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

During Operation Spring Weed Killer approximately 9 pounds of Marijuana, 59 Alprazolam Pills, 29 Lorazepam Pills, 89 Hydrocodone Pills, and $2000 in cash were recovered.

Charges are expected to be filed on several more subjects in connection with Operation Spring Weed Killer.

Sheriff Anderson says “We will continue to work with the community to aggressively pursue those connected to the sales or usage of illegal drugs.”