Authorities have arrested a suspect in Batesville for suspected methamphetamine trafficking following a six-month investigation, Commander Johnny Byler of the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force confirmed Tuesday.
The investigation began in January 2024, involving the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, known as Jose Medardo Gonzales-Rosales, 21, was under surveillance for trafficking methamphetamine in Independence County.
According to a release from the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force, its agents and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office conducted undercover controlled drug buys from Gonzales-Rosales.
On May 14, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Gonzales’s Batesville residence by the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Batesville Police Department. During the search, authorities seized 23.6 pounds of methamphetamine and three pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value exceeding $1 million, according to the release.
Charges against Gonzales-Rosales include three counts of trafficking methamphetamine over 200 grams, all class “Y” felonies, among other drug-related offenses. He is currently being held at the Independence County Detention Center on a total bail amount of $1,500,000.
Image provided by 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force
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