KINGMAN – Local authorities say two Kingman-based Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO’s) have been dismantled through “Operation King Crimson”, a 21-month-long investigation coordinated by the MAGNET narcotics task force and supported by state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Two dozen people 28-70 years of age have been arrested for various drug offenses. Most of the defendants are from Kingman while a few are from Golden Valley, Dolan Springs and Las Vegas.
Additional arrests are expected in an investigation focused on DTO’s reportedly operated by Austreberto Acoltzi-Bautista, 48, and Carlos Ochoa-Quinones, 30.
“Acoltzi-Bautista would obtain large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin that was ordered from Mexico and delivered into southern California cities where Acoltzi-Bautista would pick it up and distribute it in Mohave County and Las Vegas,” a MAGNET press release said. “Bautista was found to have 15 of his own drug dealers in Mohave County.”
Kingman police spokeswoman Jennifer Sochocki said the investigation netted seizure of 120 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of heroin and 38 weapons, five of which were stolen.
“A criminal enterprise that flooded our county with its poison has been completely eradicated,” said Mohave County Sheriff Doug Schuster. “I am extremely proud of the excellent work by our MAGNET detectives and their exhaustive efforts to bring this investigation to a successful end.”
Schuster thanked and praised partnering agencies and personnel.
“Mexican drug cartels flood our country with dangerous drugs. These drugs destroy lives and tear at the very fabric of our communities,” said Cheri Oz, Special Agent in charge with the Drug Enforcement Administration. “Today, the people of Mohave County and the greater Las Vegas area are safer due to the efforts of MAGNET, DEA and our partners.”
Dave Hawkins
