Two Texas City homes turned into crime scenes on Feb. 5 after the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force rolled up with search warrants, wrapping a multi-month narcotics investigation with a haul that included drugs, guns and stacks of cash. One man ended up in jail, and another is still on the run, according to authorities, as reported by Click2Houston.
Raid Yields Big Drug And Gun Haul
Investigators reported seizing 405 grams of suspected cocaine, about 365 grams of PCP, roughly 2.5 gallons of promethazine, 5.7 pounds of marijuana and 5.2 grams of THC wax. They also collected U.S. currency and five firearms, including one confirmed stolen, according to Click2Houston. The searches were carried out at two Texas City residences after what officials described as a multi-month task force probe. Police said the evidence recovered at the locations led the Galveston County district attorney’s office to accept charges against two people.
One Behind Bars, One Still Wanted
Authorities identified 26-year-old Keonda Bell as the suspect taken into custody. He is being held in the Galveston County jail and faces multiple counts tied to alleged distribution of controlled substances, along with a separate tampering charge, officials said. Investigators added that 45-year-old Deatrick Black is wanted on an active warrant and is charged with additional drug counts and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Prosecutors will review the case materials before formal indictments are sought, according to officials.
The district attorney’s office accepted charges against both men after investigators turned over the evidence, and bond amounts in the case reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, per Click2Houston. Anyone who recognizes Black or has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Galveston County Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS or submit a tip online at p3tips.com, authorities said.
What The Charges Could Mean
Under state law, manufacture or delivery of controlled substances is no slap-on-the-wrist offense. Penalties under the Texas Controlled Substances Act vary based on drug type and quantity, ranging from state-jail felonies to first-degree felonies that carry lengthy prison sentences. Those rules are spelled out in the Texas Health & Safety Code, which sets the penalty groups and sentencing ranges.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is charged separately under the Texas Penal Code and is generally a third-degree felony. Possible consequences depend on a person’s prior criminal record and how recently the firearm possession occurred.
The investigation remains active, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward so investigators can locate Black and keep the criminal case moving toward prosecution. Court filings and detailed booking records for Bell were not immediately available.
