On Thursday, September 17, 2009 the Community Narcotics Enforcement Team Drug Task Force (also known as CNET) exploded into action with Operation POWDER KEG. Powder Keg is a multi-county operation which involved the counties of Vernon, Bates, Dade and St. Clair County, Missouri. Operation Powder Keg is the result of a year long investigation into the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in the four county areas. More than two dozen subjects face felony charges from possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, manufacture of methamphetamine, methamphetamine possession and felony weapons violations.
Operation Powder Keg started out with teams comprised of Task Force Agents and deputies for various agencies serving several felony arrest warrants simultaneously in multiple counties.
Agents were also involved with a vehicle pursuit which covered the southend of Vernon County, resulting in the arrest of the suspect, with the assistance from Missouri National Guard Counter Drug Aviation Unit.
Law Enforcement Officers continued the day moving from county to county and cleaning up meth labs along the way. Drug Task Force Agents are continuing to arrest more suspects throughout the day. Operation Powder will end this evening, Friday, September 18th.
As of Friday morning, agents had seized: Approximately 15 thousand dollars in methamphetamine, one half pound of red phosphorous, dozens of commercial grade beakers and flasks, over 150 marijuana plants, weapons, ammunition, numerous other chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, and two pieces of heavy equipment stolen out of Missouri. In addition, over 150 acres in Dade County, Missouri is also in the beginning stages of being seized for drug violations.
Thus far the following persons have been charged: Samantha Ranea Mueller, 24 yrs., Independence, MO, Rey Dwight Brown, 31 yrs., Los Angeles, CA, Joshua Lyle Schnedler, 28 yrs., Nevada, MO, Carl A. Bogart, 26 yrs., Sheldon, MO, Twila Shaffer, Greenfield, MO and Ray Price, Greenfield, MO.
Three other arrests were made on Thursday, September 17, charges are currently pending. There are 16 others in connection with today’s operation who have warrants for their arrest.
CNET would like to thank the agencies assisting in Operation POWDER KEG: Sheriff’s Office’s of Vernon County, Dade County, Bates County and St. Clair County, Osceola Police Department and Missouri Counter Drug Aviation Unit (for air support) and Missouri State Highway Patrol.
