Officers seize drugs, money in raid

Acting on information gathered during a month-long investigation, deputies from the

Vernon County Sheriff's Office and the Community Narcotics Enforcement Team raided a residence in Nevada early Friday and seized cash, a firearm and drugs.

Sheriff Jason Mosher said five individuals were arrested, but their names were withheld pending the filing of formal charges.

Officers confiscated more than $11,000 in cash, several ounces of methamphetamine, a .32-caliber semi-automatic pistol as well as some drug paraphernalia.

A few of the perpetrators "ran and one started to resist, but we got them all," said Chief Deputy Shayne Simmons, adding nine officers took part in the raid.

The raid, subsequent seizure and arrests are just a small part of an ongoing larger investigation into an organization that is "bringing a half-pound of meth into Nevada a week," Mosher said.

As the investigation continues, Mosher said he wants drug dealers to be warned.

"If you sell or traffic in drugs, we're going to find you and put you in jail," the sheriff said.

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office often works in conjunction with the CNET Drug Task Force. The special unit is comprised of officers from many jurisdictions in Southwest Missouri with the mission of finding and rooting out drug activity.

Simmons said Cass County has recently joined CNET making it one of the biggest drug task forces in the state.