Federal and local law enforcement disrupt methamphetamine ring tied to Mexico

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas man was sentenced to 300 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine as part of a drug trafficking network.

According to court documents, Ernest Lucas, 53, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

In 2022, Chaz Hicks, 27, of Kansas City, Kansas, sold methamphetamine to undercover officers with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department multiple times, often with a firearm in his lap. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began tracking Hicks' movements and observed frequent visits to Ernest Lucas' house on Ruby Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. Law enforcement noticed a travel pattern where the people stopping by Lucas' house also went to a house on Mersington Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.

ATF executed a search warrant at Lucas' house and located 12 firearms, ammunition, over $11,000 in cash, and approximately 274 grams of methamphetamine. That same day, investigators searched the Mersington Avenue house and found approximately 102 pounds of methamphetamine, eight firearms, electronic scales and other drug paraphernalia.

Evidence downloaded from Lucas' cellphone showed drug related conversations between him and Spencer Allen, 48, of Mound City and Jason Smith, 50, of Topeka.

"The Department of Justice is committed to eradicating transnational criminal organizations and their influence on American soil." Said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. "What may look like local gang and drug activity is often supplied by sources outside the country. The federal government is uniquely suited to stop networks like the one at issue in this case and disrupt international supply lines into our neighborhoods with the help from state and local partners. Additionally, the proceeds of this illegal activity can be forfeited to the U.S. Government under federal law as was the cash found in this case. This type of crime doesn't pay and will ultimately land you in prison."

"What began as a case on violence tied to the Southdale Blood Gang grew into a large-scale methamphetamine distribution investigation that wreaked havoc on Kansas City, Kansas," said Bernard "Butch" Hansen, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Kansas City Field Division. "Ernest Lucas was a prolific distributor supplied by sources in Mexico, moving hundreds of pounds of meth and dozens of firearms through this community, fueling violence and multiple overdose deaths. Lucas is a violent offender with a lengthy criminal history who chose to profit from addiction and bloodshed. The people of Kansas City should sleep well knowing this criminal will be behind bars for decades to come, and anyone considering the same path should be prepared to meet the same fate."

Hicks, Allen, Smith, and another codefendant, Abraham Gallegos, 46, of Olathe, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Hicks was sentenced to 200 months in prison. The other codefendants are awaiting sentencing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case with assistance from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD).

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