Over the past week, the Austin County Regional Special Response Team (SRT) executed multiple search and arrest warrants as a result of a long-term investigation led by the Westside Narcotics Task Force (HIDTA), the office of the task force said in a September 6 press release. The press release was also published on the Austin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

The investigation began when Task Force Officers received information indicating that narcotics were being distributed from several locations in the Brookshire area to include multiple residences and a business. SRT and Task Force Officers executed four search warrants and multiple arrest warrants during the operations. As a result, seven defendants were arrested and charged with multiple felonies to include Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, with several more felony charges on multiple defendants pending.

Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and United States currency were seized during the operations. Task Force Officers also recovered stolen items including a truck, skid steer, and firearms. The defendants were identified as the following, Ivan Barrura (37), Melesio Oviedo (42), Sonny Baker (53), Jonte Grant (47), Curte Bailey (37), Antoinette Stewart (46), and Glenn Evans (38). The defendants were booked into the Waller County Jail without incident.

The Westside Narcotics Task Force covers four counties and is comprised of investigators from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville PD, Sealy PD, Hempstead PD, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Waller County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, K9, and Drone divisions assisted with the arrest / search warrant operation.