A yearlong investigation dubbed “Operation Powder Keg” has netted multiple arrests and the seizure of more than $15,000 in methamphetamine in several Southwest Missouri counties, according to a release from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department.
Powder Keg involved authorities from Vernon, Bates, Dade, and St. Clair counties, and centered on the trafficking of methamphetamine in those counties. Authorities started making arrests on Thursday.
As of Friday, authorities had seized $15,000 in methamphetamine; a half pound of red phosphorus; dozens of commercial-grade beakers and flasks; more than 150 marijuana plants; weapons and ammunition; other chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine; and two pieces of stolen equipment.
As of Friday, a total of nine people had been arrested and charged, including residents of Independence, Mo., Los Angeles, Calif., Greenfield, Mo., Sheldon, Mo., and Everton, Mo.
Area residents charged include Aaron Dahmer, of Nevada, Mo., who faces three class B felony counts of distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance, and Joshua L. Schendler, also of Nevada, who is charged with one class C felony count of possession of a controlled substance.
More arrests and charges are anticipated.
