FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

In December 2017, seven North Texas Sheriffs, including Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, Grayson County Sheriff Tom Watt, Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks, Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler, Rockwall County Sheriff Harold Eavenson, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, and Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin, united to address the surge of illegal narcotics and human trafficking that was transiting to and through the North Texas region. Their collaborative efforts led to the creation of the North Texas Criminal Interdiction Unit (NTXCIU), which began operations in January 2018.

Mission and Jurisdiction: The NTXCIU, comprised of specially trained deputy sheriffs, focuses on intercepting dangerous drugs, narcotics, contraband, and human cargo along established smuggling corridors across North Texas. Deputies assigned to the unit have jurisdictional authority to operate and make arrests within any of the participating counties.

Expanded Operations and Leadership Changes: In July 2018, the NTXCIU expanded its operations to include the Smith County Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Larry Smith. Since inception, Hunt County Sheriff Terry Jones was elected following the retirement of Sheriff Randy Meeks and Rockwall County Sheriff Terry Garrett was elected following the retirement of Sheriff Harold Eavenson. Additionally, Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier was elected following the death of Sheriff Larry Fowler. The unit has further expanded its operations to include activities at the DFW International Airport in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security.

Operational Update: The NTXCIU has achieved remarkable results. Since its first operation, the unit seized:

• $7.9M in hidden bulk cash (U.S. currency)
• 7,913 lbs. of marijuana
• 6,048 lbs. of methamphetamine
• 1,003 lbs. of cocaine
• 666 lbs. of THC extract
• 365 lbs. of heroin
• 394 lbs. of prescription narcotics
• 103 lbs. of fentanyl
• Recovered 119 stolen motor vehicles
• 60 + weapons & ammunition
• Has made over 570 felony arrests

Press Conference Details: To update the public on the unit's expanded achievements and discuss their ongoing efforts, a press conference has been scheduled:

• Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Collin County Sheriff's Office, 4300 Community Blvd., McKinney, Texas 75071

Point of Contact: For further information, please contact Collin County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Sgt. Jessica Pond at [email protected] or Tarrant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Robbie Hoy at [email protected].

The majority of participating Sheriffs will be in attendance, and visual exhibits showcasing the unit's successes will be available.

We appreciate your attention to this important update and look forward to your coverage.

For the PDF version CLICK HERE.