South Plains Drug and Gun Trafficking Operation Results in Eight Arrests

Across the South Plains, eight individuals are currently facing federal charges for drug trafficking and unlawful firearm possession as charges were made by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The charges included possession of a firearm and fentanyl trafficking as violations in the Northern District of Texas.

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The effort is one aspect of the Justice Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which collaborates with state and local agencies to mitigate crime. Leigha Simonton, the United States Attorney, underscored the importance of concentrating on chronic offenders, particularly those who are in possession of illegal firearms.

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"During a press conference with the Lubbock Police Department, Simonton stated that felons should not have firearms in this community or anywhere in the Northern District of Texas." "We are among the top five in the nation for federal firearm charges, with the majority of these charges originating from this operation."

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Kelly Hargrave and Philip Murphy are accused of three counts of narcotic possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confiscated 12 firearms during the operation, one of which was modified with a device that converts a semi-automatic weapon into a completely automatic weapon. Two of the firearms had been reported stolen and used in previous criminal activities.

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Lubbock Police Chief Seth Herman emphasized the necessity of firearm owners securing their weapons to prevent theft and misuse.

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