(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ On December 22, a joint operation between the Columbia Police Department's Vice, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the North Missouri Drug Task Force, the Boone County Sheriff's Office, and Homeland Security Investigations resulted in the arrest of two individuals for methamphetamine trafficking in Columbia. The investigation was sparked by suspicions of drug activity in the area.

Hector Hernandez Medina, 28, from Mexico, and Ebonie Lewis, 49, from Columbia were taken into custody after a residential search warrant was executed in Boone County. During the search, law enforcement officials discovered a firearm and approximately 56 pounds of suspected methamphetamine hidden within household items.

Further investigation revealed that the methamphetamine had been shipped from Mexico to Columbia through a commercial delivery service. It was also discovered that Medina was unlawfully present in the United States.

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Medina has been charged with first-degree drug trafficking and second-degree drug trafficking. Lewis faces charges of first-degree drug trafficking, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to drug activity in Columbia to come forward and contact CrimeStoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously through phone or online platforms. Those providing information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.

The case has been assigned number 2025-011753 and falls under Missouri statutes 579.065 and 579.068 for drug trafficking, 571.070 for unlawful possession of a firearm, 579.015 for possession of a controlled substance, 571.070 for unlawful possession of a firearm again under different circumstances as well as 571.030 for unlawful use of a weapon.

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