10K Fentanyl Pills Busted in Jeep in Anaconda; 2 Women Arrested
Anaconda, Montana: Law enforcement closely tracked the movements of a rented Jeep for several days before intercepting it near Anaconda on Monday, where they discovered approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills.
Two women in the Jeep were taken into custody, and later on Tuesday afternoon, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Ben Krakowka filed preliminary felony drug charges against them. Additionally, an affidavit was submitted to support the accusations.
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Several individuals and law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation, as stated in the affidavit. This included confidential informants, the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, local police, Montana Highway Patrol troopers, and two canine units.
Krakowka claims that Gloria Sherese Kimbrew, 29, and Savion Umeko Johnson, 34, have been accused of committing serious drug offenses involving the possession and distribution of dangerous drugs. If convicted, they could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
According to the source, Kimbrew has been charged with two felony counts of criminal possession of property subject to forfeiture. Additionally, both Kimbrew and Johnson were found in possession of drug paraphernalia, which is considered a misdemeanor. The potential consequences for each forfeiture charge include a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
The documents and Anaconda jail roster do not provide information about their places of residence, but authorities have confirmed that the vehicle traveled between Washington state and Montana. Two individuals were identified during the investigation as well. One individual hailed from the Tacoma, Washington, vicinity, while the other was apprehended in Spokane.
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In Krakowka’s affidavit, it is stated that confidential informants began providing information to the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force in December regarding drug trafficking in Butte and the importation of drugs from other states.
An investigation has revealed that a Jeep Compass, with a particular license plate, was involved in two trips between Washington and Montana from Dec. 29 to Jan. 7, according to authorities.
Agents of the Task Force were alerted on January 18th regarding a potential drug transaction in Butte. The transaction is said to involve methamphetamine and a large quantity of fentanyl pills. They received further details on Monday.
Authorities were monitoring the Jeep’s movements as it veered off Interstate 90 onto Highway 48 towards Anaconda on Monday, eventually conducting a traffic stop. Kimbrew, Johnson and another individual were in the Jeep.
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Troopers utilized the assistance of two dogs, Apollo and Harry, to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle. Remarkably, both dogs successfully detected the presence of drugs. Agents obtained a warrant from District Judge Robert Whelan and conducted a search of the Jeep.
Authorities discovered a startling discovery – a suitcase containing 10 bags filled with approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills cleverly disguised as oxycodone pills. In addition, authorities discovered a firearm with a fully loaded magazine, and it was reported that Kimbrew was in possession of cocaine and $900 in cash.
An affidavit states that Johnson was found with fentanyl powder in her wallet, along with a straw containing an unidentified substance.
Kimbrew later took responsibility for the large amount of fentanyl and the handgun, while Johnson admitted to possessing drugs.
According to the affidavit, Johnson revealed during a later interview that she had extensively traveled with Kimbrew for a considerable duration. She described the process of traveling to different places with Kimbrew to collect money that was supposedly linked to car sales.
The cell phones of all three occupants were confiscated, however, the charging document does not disclose any information regarding the arrest of the male or provide any details about his current status.
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