GONZALES, Texas — A sweeping nine-month drug investigation in Gonzales County led to dozens of felony cases and the largest narcotics operation in county history.
Chief Gayle Autry of the Gonzales Police Department said officers identified and arrested several high-level drug distributors who were moving cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled substances into the area. Authorities developed about 60 felony narcotics cases tied to 40 suspects as part of the investigation, according to officials.
Chief Autry formally asked the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office for help, specifically requesting the support of Sgt. Jason Hinds of San Patricio County and Sgt. Mark Hastings II of Wilson County. Gonzales County Sheriff Keith Schmidt and his team provided coordination and resources during the operation.
“I will exhaust all resources at my disposal and continue to utilize the professional friendships and contacts I have made throughout my career to keep the citizens of the City of Gonzales – the people whom I serve – safe,” Chief Autry said. “I would like to thank Gonzales County Sheriff Schmidt for providing the support necessary to make this investigation possible.”
San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera said, “Whether it’s responding to devastating floods in the Hill Country, hurricanes, crime scene personnel needs or deploying my narcotics division, I am committed to keeping the citizens of San Patricio County safe and lending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in law enforcement who request assistance.” He added, “I have known Wilson County Sheriff Stewart throughout our careers with the Texas Department of Public Safety and have built strong partnerships with sheriffs, chiefs and district attorneys’ offices across the State of Texas.”
Wilson County Sheriff Jim Stewart said this kind of interagency cooperation is essential. “This request was a no-brainer. The City of Gonzales and Gonzales County are our sister county agencies. Criminals and criminal activity do not adhere to county lines and we are often working the same suspects in multiple types of crimes,” Stewart said. In addition, Stewart said, “Sgt. Hastings and Sgt. Hinds possess extensive narcotics intelligence throughout South Texas and maintain valuable contacts and resources that support long-term investigations. This operation successfully disrupted high-level distributors responsible for moving significant quantities of narcotics into our communities.”
Officials said the operation shows what partnerships between law enforcement agencies can accomplish when tackling drug trafficking in South Texas. Prosecutors in Gonzales County are now moving forward with felony charges against those arrested.
Authorities are sharing information and photos of both those arrested and suspects who are still wanted. Anyone who wants to report narcotics activity can call Greater Gonzales County Crime Stoppers at 830-672-8477 or use the P3 app. Anonymous tips are accepted.
Further details about indictments and court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.