Pubdate: Sun, 02 Nov 2003
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2003 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Dawn Marks

DRUG ENFORCERS FIND TRAFFICKERS PROWLING U.S. 54

GUYMON -- On the 54 miles of U.S. 54 slicing through the Oklahoma
Panhandle, cars with hidden compartments concealing thousands or even
millions of dollars in drugs or drug money roll through rural towns on
their way to bigger cities. . Cash forfeitures aid Texas County

But for the past several years, Texas County law enforcement officers
have helped slow the trafficking as they make stops on a major drug
pipeline.

Drugs in Texas County

Cash seizures so far this calendar year on U.S. 54 in Texas County
total $647,876.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers stop more drug traffickers on the
highway than on any other non-interstate highway in the state, said
Lt. Jim McBride, commander of the special operations troop.

Sheriff's deputies and small-town police also consistently find large
amounts of drugs or thousands of dollars in cash in cars during
highway stops.

"It's anybody's guess as to just how much goes through here. It's a
thriving deal," said Lt. Marvin Noyes of the patrol's Guymon troop.

"I think it comes through Guymon almost daily."

But officers are catching some of the traffickers, as on July 10, when
sheriff's deputies and Goodwell police stopped a car with 23 pounds of
cocaine valued at nearly $1.4 million.

Another stop this summer netted nearly a ton of marijuana when Texas
County and Sherman County, Texas, deputies stopped a car after a high
speed chase.

Most times, traffickers are caught violating traffic regulations,
Texas County Sheriff Arnold Peoples said -- a broken tail light,
speeding or driving left of center.

Officers often become suspicious on stops when something isn't right
with the driver, Goodwell police Sgt. Matt Boley said.

For example, a driver's story might not match the passenger's tale or
a driver might only have one key on the key ring, unlike most people.

Hiding spots vary from the spare tire to sophisticated compartments
fabricated inside gas tanks or the car body with trap doors triggered
by electronic switches.

Some even hide drugs in the tires, causing their cars to
wobble.

Traffickers' tactics While there are other known drug routes in the
state -- such as Interstates 35 and 44 -- some members of drug cells
have moved to rural areas to avoid detection, said Mark Woodward,
Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics spokesman.

Traffickers also are using different routes to avoid areas with a high
law-enforcement presence.

But rural law enforcement is responding well and catching many, he
said.

About twice a month, deputies patrolling U.S. 54 make stops where
large amounts of drugs or cash are found, Peoples said. Normally the
vehicles hauling drugs are headed east and those with money are headed
west, he said. Activity seems to increase in the summer.

While the drug trafficking has created more work for Texas County law
officers, it also has provided money for equipment, drug dogs, cars
and buildings.

Since Jan. 1, agencies have seized $647,876 in drug
money.

Last fiscal year, which ended June 30, almost 70 percent of cash
seizures and proceeds from the sale of seized property went to local
law enforcement, District Attorney Mike Boring said. However, the
largest benefit is that every time officers seize drugs, it prevents
them from getting on the street, Guymon Police Chief Garrett Helton
said.

"The law is a deterrent but education is our best protection," Helton
said. "We've all got to take an active stand in this."

Sidebar

The breakdown:
Guymon Police Department: $437,047
Oklahoma Highway Patrol: $105,180
District 26 Drug Task Force, based in Woodward: $1,307
Goodwell Police Department: $678
Guymon/Goodwell/District 26 (joint operation) : $75,824
Goodwell/Texas County Sheriff/District 26 (joint operation): $27,840

Trafficking standards Under Oklahoma law, possession of certain
quantities of drugs is considered trafficking. Here are the drugs and
amounts that determine trafficking:

Marijuana, 25 pounds Cocaine, 28 grams Heroin, 10 grams
Methamphetamine, 20 grams, Crack cocaine, 5 grams SD, 50 dosages PCP,
1 ounce 
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