Two arrested, 56 pounds of meth seized in Columbia drug trafficking investigation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two people are facing felony drug charges after investigators uncovered a large amount of methamphetamine Monday in Columbia, leading to trafficking charges.

On Monday, detectives with the Columbia Police Department’s Vice, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit worked alongside the North Missouri Drug Task Force, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations to investigate meth trafficking in the area, CPD said in a news release.

Police searched a home at 4246 Santa Anna Drive. Inside the residence, officers found 27 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.

Court documents indicate the investigation began after authorities received a tip about a FedEx package. Upon inspection, investigators discovered the shipment contained 56.21 pounds of ponchos soaked in methamphetamine. According to scholars, drug traffickers soak clothing in liquid meth to avoid detection while transporting narcotics.

The package was handed over to the Columbia Police Department for a controlled delivery. Police said they sent only about 20% of the drugs to Hector Hernandez Medina, 28, of Mexico.

When Medina went to pick up the package, detectives said he arrived in a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Detectives reportedly found a little over half an ounce of meth, 62 grams of fentanyl, 14 grams of blue pills, and $2,158 in the vehicle.

Police later discovered Medina is an undocumented immigrant.

Court records show the package was addressed to Medina but listed 49-year-old Ebonie Lewis’ phone number and home address. Lewis admitted to being a meth user but told authorities she had no knowledge of the delivery.

Neighbors expressed concern for the community, particularly for families with young children.

“I have two young children, and we just bought this house in April,” said Witt. "Just knowing that something like that is going on so close to home, it does bring some concern," 

Medina is charged with two counts of second-degree drug trafficking. Lewis faces multiple charges, including second-degree drug trafficking, felony drug possession and illegal gun possession.

Medina and Lewis remained in the Boone County Jail on Tuesday without bond. Initial hearings have not been scheduled.

Check back for updates.