A joint enforcement effort between the Nebraska State Patrol and Kimball County Sheriff’s office along with assistance from the WING Drug Task Force, Kimball Police department and Cheyenne County Sheriff’s office led to the arrest of 13 individuals on Feb. 24, 2011.

The suspects are accused of distribution of a controlled substance; distribution of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a playground, distribution of an imitation drug and conspiracy to distribute.

According to a press release from the Nebraska State Patrol, the investigation began eight months ago with undercover officers. The arrests were executed in Kimball and Potter.

According to the Kimball County Sheriff’s office this arrest takes a stab at the drug problem in Kimball.

“I had several people and officials tell me that Kimball didn’t have a drug problem,” said Kimball County Sheriff Harry Gillway, “yet I could see it personally with the number of people coming into my jail high on methamphetamines.”

Gillway said he was told shortly after becoming the sheriff that drug cases in Kimball couldn’t be done because they were always compromised.

“This really bothered me and I was determined to change that,” he said.

This bust was the effort of his entire office, but Gillway singled out one officer in particular.

“I am especially proud of Chief Deputy Marla Knigge,” he said.

“She developed the information and launched the investigation. I quickly saw that the case involved numerous people and asked the State Patrol for assistance.”

As to the details of the investigation Gillway would not comment. He said everything was keep compartmentalized and on a “need to know basis.”

“Frankly, I didn’t even need to know the participants until the day of the arrests,” Gillway said.

“That’s how you conduct a successful long term investigation.”

The cooperation between departments is something that Gillway plans to maintain.

“Chief Simpson (newly hired Kimball Chief of Police) and I have vowed not to let this stop here with these arrests,” said Gillway, “I can promise that together we will fight hard to bring more drug dealers to justice.”

Gillway said this also shows a need for canine support in Kimball County.

“These arrest and a profound need to keep drugs out of our schools is why I am going to push hard to get a drug dog,” he said.

Those arrested in the bust include: Kimberly Randles, 38, Kimball; Donald Sherfey, 42, Kimball; Valenteen Woodral, 28, Kimball; Isauro Flores, 32, Kimball; Tammy Figueroa, 45, Kimball; Leonard Smith, 41, Kimball; Dorothy Hardy, 40, Kimball;

Mike Dawson, 48, Kimball; Amy Grat, 28, Kimball; Cody Murray, 18, Potter; Karissa Coe, 18, Potter; Kourtney Louschke, 20, Kimball. All are being housed in Kimball and Cheyenne County jails.

During the operation cocaine, methamphetamine, cash and paraphernalia was seized.