An area man has been arrested and charged after a drug investigation spanning multiple months.
Detectives with the Crime Resolution Unit (CRU) initiated an investigation into an individual residing in Pettis County who was suspected of distributing illegal drugs. During the course of the investigation, investigators identified the suspect as 26-year-old Trenton R. Willis, who was allegedly selling large quantities of marijuana and THC-infused products to individuals in Pettis and Johnson County area.
Investigators determined Willis was operating his own cannabis dispensary in violation of the state statutes that regulate the legal sale/purchase of such products. As part of the ongoing investigation, members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Willis while he was traveling through Johnson County after returning from the Kansas City area on December 29. During the stop, a Pettis County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was deployed and provided a positive alert for the odor of illegal drugs.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed Willis was transporting more than 20 pounds of high-grade marijuana, eight pounds of THC wax, 106 THC infused vape pens, and numerous additional THC infused products. Willis was also found to be in possession of a handgun and approximately $2,000 in U.S. currency, believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales. Willis was arrested and transported to the Johnson County Jail.
As a result of evidence obtained during the traffic stop, investigators with the Crime Resolution Unit obtained a search warrant for Willis’ residence located on East Lane in La Monte. Upon arrival, investigators made contact with a female subject at the residence who allowed entry into the home. A search of the residence revealed a substantial amount of evidentiary items, which further substantiated Willis’ involvement in distributing cannabis and THC products in violation of recreational marijuana statutes. Items seized included approximately 11 pounds of high-grade marijuana, 209 bottles of THC infused syrup, 91 packages of THC infused gummies, 538 disposable THC infused vape pens, 184 THC vape pen replacement cartridges, eight rifles, seven handguns, 1,860 rounds of ammunition, and more than $58,000 in U.S. currency, believed to be proceeds from illegal marijuana distribution.
Willis is facing charges in Johnson County of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon, with a $10,000 cash-only bond. Additional charges are being sought in Pettis County stemming from evidence recovered during the execution of the search warrant at his residence.
Willis is due for a counsel status hearing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, at Johnson County Circuit Court.
