Mid Iowa Drug Task Force Executes Drug Search Warrant Seizing 20 Pounds of Methamphetamine.

February 12, 2013

Central Iowa - On February 8th, 2013 Agents with the Mid Iowa Drug Task Force (MIDTF) concluded an 18 month drug investigation involving the distribution of methamphetamine in Central Iowa. 

MIDTF Agents determined a large shipment of methamphetamine was scheduled to arrive in Central Iowa and with the assistance of the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, Marshalltown Police Department K-9 Unit, and Drug Enforcement Administration in excess of 20 pounds of methamphetamine, $60,000.00 in U. S. Currency, 1-Comercial Motor Vehicle (Tractor/Trailer), and 1-passenger vehicle was seized. The street value of the methamphetamine seized is in excess of $900,000.00

As a result of an ongoing drug investigation in Central Iowa the following subjects were taken into custody without incident:

Nicholas Ramirez-Martinez, age 44, 527 N. 1st St., Marshalltown IA, was charged with Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) with the Intent to Deliver, Special Class B Felony, Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp, Class D Felony, and Prohibited Acts, Aggravated Misdemeanor. Nicholas Ramirez-Martinez is currently being held at the Marshall County Jail on $500,000.00 cash bond.

Rene Fernandez, age 49, 411 Cesar Chavez St., San Luis AZ, was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), Special Class B Felony. Rene Fernandez is currently being held at the Polk County Jail on $100,000.00 bond.

Francisco Salgado-Aguirre, age 47, 701 E. 24th, Yuma AZ, was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), Special Class B Felony. Francisco Salgado-Aguirre is currently being held at the Polk County Jail on $100,000.00 bond.

Additional arrests are pending as the investigation continues.

Special Class B Felony carries a maximum penalty of up to 50 years, and $1,000,000.00 fine. Class D Felony carries a maximum penalty of up to 5 years, and $7,500.00 fine. Aggravated Misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of up to 2 years, and $6,250.00 fine.

The Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force is funded by a grant, through the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy. The Task Force operates in Grundy, Hardin, Marshall and Tama Counties.

About Marshall County Sheriff's Office
The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is headed up by Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus. Sheriff Kamatchus is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.

For additional information or a sample copy, contact:
Joel Phillips
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
641-754-6380
Fax 641-754-6325
Sheriff@co.marshall.ia.us
www.marshallcountysheriff.com

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