Drug bust stretches from Wray to North Platte

Two members of the Holyoke Police Department assisted in a joint operation including members of the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement Drug Task Force and Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group that led to the arrest of 11 individuals on various charges Tuesday, April 25.
    During the early morning hours, CODE and WING members with assistance from numerous other Nebraska and Colorado federal, state and local law enforcement agencies executed arrest warrants spanning from North Platte, Nebraska, to Wray.
    Charges included conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm and money laundering.
    One year ago, these joint operations led to the largest federal drug takedown in the history of Nebraska. Also seized during the operation were several weapons, ammunition, cash and methamphetamine.
    The arrests Tuesday were a direct result of that effort and confirm the commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to aggressively pursue drug cases as a top priority in Nebraska.
    Holyoke Police Department Chief Doug Bergstrom assisted with arrests in Ovid, and Sgt. Mark Werts assisted with arrests in Wray.
    In relation to this investigation, Bergstrom and Werts said methamphetamine and guns were being sold in Holyoke.
    FBI Special Agent in Charge Randall Thysse recognized the unwavering teamwork of all the agencies involved, stating, “This long-term investigation presented unique challenges given the wide geographic territory of western Nebraska and eastern Colorado. I am extremely proud of all the dedicated men and women who worked to bring these perpetrators to justice. This case demonstrates how numerous agencies can act as a force multiplier and achieve significant results.”