Nacogdoches Undercover Operation Leads to Major Drug Bust

According to a press release from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, an undercover operation has disrupted a large drug distribution operation in the county with the seizure of methamphetamine other illicit substances, as well as large sums of cash.

Two suspects are facing felony charges in the case. Justin Michael Sanchez, 30, of Nacogdoches, was arrested on a first-degree felony for manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and a Class B misdemeanor for possession of marijuana. Keegan Leigh Torrez-Burns, 27, faces a first-degree felony for manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and a Class B misdemeanor for possession of marijuana.

Sanchez’s bonds were set at $75,000 for the first-degree felony, $15,000 for the second-degree felony, and $1,500 for the Class-B misdemeanor for a total of $91,500. Torrez-Burns’ bonds were $75,000 for the first-degree felony and $1,500 for the Class-B misdemeanor for a total of $76,500.

Investigators seized more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine in bulk and individual packages, which has a street value of more than $19,500.  Several firearms and roughly $16,000 in currency were also confiscated. Suspected fentanyl and ecstasy pills were also recovered and have been sent to a state lab for testing. Baggies, scales and other items commonly used in the sale of illegal substances were collected as evidence.

Around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, deputies executed a search warrant on a home in the 1800 block of Pearl Street in Nacogdoches based on information gathered during a long-term undercover operation. Undercover purchases of methamphetamines by sheriff’s deputies led investigators to the home. Suspecting the residents inside were armed, investigators staked out the house until Sanchez came outside, at which point he was taken into custody. A loaded handgun was found by the front door. A total of five firearms and ammunition were seized.

During the investigation, the sheriff’s office learned Sanchez was the supply source for other suspected drug dealers primarily in Nacogdoches County.

“Seizing these drugs and keeping them out of the hands of dealers is a blow to the illegal drug trade in Nacogdoches County,” said Sheriff Jason Bridges.

Additional charges are possible as the sheriff’s office continues investigating the case.