Ozark Drug Enforcement Team releases 2018 statistics

The Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team (ODET) has released statistics for 2018.

ODET is made up of eight detectives that cover five counties. The team covers Jasper, Barton, Newton,McDonald and Barry counties in southwest Missouri.

The primary function of the team is to dismantle large scale drug trafficking organizations. “Some of these organizations are directly connected to drug cartels in Mexico,” ODED Commander Chad Allison says.

Over 95 percent of the methamphetamine seized in United States today is manufactured in Mexico. ODET is a major player in the war on these organizations and works closely with the FBI, DEA and ATF on the dismantling of these Organizations.

In 2018 team detectives seized 6,230 grams of meth or roughly 14 lbs. with a street value of $623,000.

ODET detectives seized 33,448 grams of high-grade marijuana or roughly 74 Lbs. with a street value of $259,000. ODET detectives served 111 search warrants and arrested 134 suspects for possession of meth.

Detectives seized 177 firearms and arrested 144 fugitives on outstanding warrants. They were responsible for the indictments of 13 suspects in 2018.

“ODET is supported by federal grants and local agency’s contributions and cannot be operated without that support,” Allison said. “I want to thank each agency and community that participates in ODET and we look forward to serving your coverage area in 2019,” he stated.

Commander Allison says anyone with information on drugs that could be helpful is urged to contact 417-624-9395.