Multi-Agency Operation Takes Down Heroin Traffickers

A multi-agency operation targeting a major drug-trafficking organization resulted in the arrest of six people and the recovery of more than $100,000 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Named Operation Train Tracks, this investigation began with HIS Tulsa special agents investigating the distribution of mass quantities of black tar heroin in Tulsa.

"This five-year-plus investigation has already been responsible for removing illegal drugs from our communities and prosecuting some of the criminals involved," said Katrina Berger, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas, which oversees the state of Oklahoma.  "We will continue to work closely with Tulsa County Sheriff's Office and many other law enforcement partners in the ongoing war against illegal drugs and drug traffickers."

This execution of six search warrants allowed agents to seize: $106,505 in suspected drug proceeds, three firearms (one stolen, and one illegally possessed by a convicted felon) two vehicles, and 13 ounces of black tar heroin, according to a statement released by ICE.

The six subjects were arrested on charges of trafficking illegal drugs, possession/receipt of drug proceeds, unlawful delivery of a dangerous and controlled substance, and possession of a firearm after conviction of a felony.

"TCSO and our partners made a significant impact on the heroin trade in Tulsa County today," said Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado. "TCSO would like to thank all the agencies involved. No doubt our community is safer thanks to the cooperation of everyone that took part in this major drug bust."

While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation in partnership with Tulsa County Sheriff's Office (TCSO), numerous other agencies were involved in the takedown, including:  Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Tulsa Police Department, FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Drug Enforcement Administration, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

Before the July 13 takedown, Operation Train Tracks had already resulted in 15 federal and 25 state criminal arrests, 15 federal indictments, 14 convictions, the seizure of over 19 kilos of heroin and the seizure of $170,000.