KANSAS CITY – Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, with the help of prosecutors, executed multiple federal search warrants, in Kansas City earlier this month. The effort was part of the Homeland Security Task Force, a multi-agency Department of Justice Initiative, that works to protect U.S. citizens from security threats and violent crime, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The search warrants resulted in the combined seizure of 1,311 grams of fentanyl, 50 firearms, 1,559.2 grams of methamphetamine, 20,479 grams of marijuana, nearly $40,000 in cash, and six pill presses, among other illegal items.
“This Homeland Security Task Force operation demonstrates the tremendous impact of strong partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement working toward a shared mission,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price of the Western District of Missouri. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are making our communities safer and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held fully accountable under the law.”
Several Kansas City, Mo. residents, including one Mexican national, were charged by criminal complaints during the operation:
Cornelius D. Phelps, 40; Maurice C. Beasley, 30; Jose E. Marquez-Echeverria, 30; and Porsha E. Dixon, 40, were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In addition, Phelps and Dixon were charged with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Andre Evans, 46, and Andre Evans Jr., 18, were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Taron D. Ford, 41, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin, and marijuana. In addition, Ford was charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms.
Xavier Lambros, 27, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.