Kansas City Task Force Seizes Over 1.3 Kilograms of Fentanyl, 50 Firearms During Major Operation

A coordinated law enforcement operation in Kansas City earlier this month led to the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs, dozens of firearms, and nearly $40,000 in cash, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The operation involved federal, state, and local agencies working together through the Homeland Security Task Force, a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating violent crime and protecting public safety. Authorities executed multiple federal search warrants throughout the Kansas City area as part of the investigation.

During the operation, investigators seized:

• 1,311 grams of fentanyl

• 1,559.2 grams of methamphetamine

• 20,479 grams of marijuana

• 50 firearms

• Nearly $40,000 in cash

• Six pill presses

• Additional illegal items connected to the investigation

U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri said the operation highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

"This Homeland Security Task Force operation demonstrates the tremendous impact of strong partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement working toward a shared mission," Price said. "By combining our resources and expertise, we are making our communities safer and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held fully accountable under the law."

Criminal Charges Filed

Several Kansas City residents, along with one Mexican national, now face federal criminal charges stemming from the investigation.

Those charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine include:

• Cornelius D. Phelps, 40

• Maurice C. Beasley, 30

• Jose E. Marquez-Echeverria, 30

• Porsha E. Dixon, 40

  
  

Phelps and Dixon also face charges of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Andre Evans, 46, and Andre Evans Jr., 18, were charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances

• Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

• Possession with intent to distribute marijuana

• Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

• Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

  
  

Taron D. Ford, 41, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin, and marijuana. He also faces charges of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms.

Xavier Lambros, 27, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Federal authorities say the investigation remains part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and reduce violent crime in the Kansas City area. As with all criminal complaints, the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.