Large quantity of fentanyl seized in St. Joseph after arrest of woman on felony warrants

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Two St. Joseph women were arrested on North Belt Highway this afternoon as part of a narcotics investigation that led to a sizable quantity of fentanyl being seized.

Officials with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force confirmed the arrest of two women around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday near a parking lot by Hy-Vee and Thrift World on North Belt Highway.

One of the women, 26-year-old Tyra Rich of St. Joseph, was apprehended without incident on multiple felony warrants for parole and probation violations. Investigators later found a large quantity of fentanyl as well as a firearm inside a vehicle operated by her and the other women, leading to subsequent charges.

Authorities have not released the identity of the second women involved as specific charges have not yet been filed. Multiple pedestrians told News-Press NOW they witnessed a heavy law enforcement presence conducting their investigation on Wednesday.

Capt. Shawn Collie with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force said multiple law enforcement agencies were involved, including the Buchanan County Sheriff's Special Operations Division, which includes the Career Criminals Unit and Drug Strike Force, as well as the St. Joseph Police Department and its specialized Street Crimes Unit.

"Anytime we get fentanyl off the street, we're happy. But unfortunately, more and more we're seeing larger amounts of fentanyl being seized. Which is kind of the case today," Collie said.

Collie said local authorities also received valuable assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.