Leigha Simonton, United States Attorney, Northern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas
Federal charges have been filed against 23 individuals accused of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in Lubbock, Texas. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Chad E. Meacham, made the announcement regarding the indictments, which have been the result of an investigation that began in March 2023.
The defendants were apprehended on Wednesday, March 26, and began appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda ‘Amy’ R. Burch on Friday. During the investigation, law enforcement seized significant quantities of drugs, including over 43 kilograms of methamphetamine, 285.4 grams of fentanyl, 335.5 grams of cocaine, and 2,296.7 grams of marijuana. Firearms were also confiscated. The amount of fentanyl seized could potentially provide 21,662 lethal doses.
Among those charged are individuals facing various counts, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, unlawful use of communication facilities, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Notable individuals include Vida Tamor Overstreet, Patrick Wayne Frazier, Juantay Dewayne Frazier, among others.
Dallas FBI Special Agent R. Joseph Rothrock stated, "Cooperation of local, state, and federal law enforcement led to success in disrupting a drug trafficking organization.” He noted the arrests' considerable impact on the drug distribution in the greater-Lubbock area. Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, remarked, "This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the flow of illegal drugs into our neighborhoods."
Although indictments have been made, it is important to note that they are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, some defendants could face life in federal prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Meacham commended the collective efforts of various law enforcement agencies involved, including multiple federal and local organizations. The cases are being prosecuted by the West Texas Branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
The prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. This task force aims to identify and dismantle high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations using a multi-agency approach. Additional information on OCDETF can be accessed at the Department of Justice’s website.
This investigation is a component of Operation Take Back America, a broader initiative by the Department of Justice aiming to combat illegal immigration, dismantle criminal organizations, and protect communities from violence.
