Over the weekend, the Excelsior Springs police officers conducted one of the most significant drug seizures in the department’s history. The showdown took place on Jesse James Road in Excelsior Springs, where a drug task force, consisting of Excelsior Springs Police and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, confronted an alleged drug dealer. Acting on an anonymous tip, the team apprehended Laughton R. Viney, a 34-year-old man from Kansas City, Kansas, at a local gas station around 1 a.m. on Sunday.
Lt. Ryan Dowdy explained that the seized substance was called dimenthylpentalone, a drug that the department had not encountered before. The officers discovered 2 pounds of dimenthylpentalone, also known as “BU Crystal,” in a backpack behind the driver’s seat of the suspect’s minivan. An additional 6 pounds of the drug were found at Viney’s residence. As a result, Viney has been charged with two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and is currently held at the Clay County Sheriff’s Detention Center.
According to Lt. Dowdy, the intent behind the possession of dimenthylpentalone was to distribute it in the area. He stated, “We see heroin and meth, but haven’t seen this yet.” Dimenthylpentalone, classified as a Class B controlled substance, first appeared globally in Sweden in 2014. It is produced in homemade labs, often mixed with other drugs like MDMA (also known as Ecstasy), and sold on the streets. Although it is popular in Florida and other regions, this was the first encounter with the drug in Excelsior Springs.
The officers were able to identify the drug using a small blue box called “True Narc.” This device, which costs $25,000 and is funded by a public safety sales tax, can quickly and safely determine the type of drug without the need to physically handle it. It uses a laser to project onto the pill or crystals, providing results within minutes. Lt. Dowdy expressed his appreciation for the community’s support through the sales tax, specifically designated for police and fire services.
The Excelsior Springs Police Department is collaborating with state and federal partners to ensure a successful prosecution. The department acknowledged the efforts of several officers, including Cpl. Thornton, Officer Griffin, and Officer Bierle, who apprehended the suspect, along with the assistance provided by Sgt. Craven, Cpl. Stott, Officer Sanchez, and the Clay County K-9 Unit during the drug seizure.
Over the weekend, the Excelsior Springs police officers executed one of their most significant drug seizures in the department’s history.
The confrontation between a suspected drug dealer and a drug task force, consisting of Excelsior Springs Police and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, took place on Jesse James Road in Excelsior Springs.
At around 1 a.m. on Sunday, an anonymous tip led the team of officers to apprehend Laughton R. Viney, a 34-year-old man from Kansas City, Kansas, at a local gas station.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office photo credit goes to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Lt. Ryan Dowdy reveals that the substance in question is known as dimethylpentanone. He admits that he had to conduct research on this unfamiliar compound as it is not something they have encountered before.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered a significant quantity of dimenthylpentalone, commonly referred to as “BU Crystal.” The initial search led to the discovery of 2 pounds of this substance concealed in a backpack behind the driver’s seat of the suspect’s minivan. Subsequently, an additional 6 pounds of the illicit substance were found at the suspect’s residence.
Viney faces two felony charges for possessing a controlled substance. Currently, he is in custody at the Clay County Sheriff’s Detention Center.
Dowdy explained that their intention was to distribute into the area. He mentioned that they have come across cases involving heroin and meth, but this particular substance was something they hadn’t encountered before.
Dimenthylpentalone, a Class B controlled substance, emerged on the global scene in 2014, originating in Sweden. Homemade labs produce this substance, which is often adulterated with other drugs like MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy), before being distributed for sale on the streets. Florida and other regions have witnessed its increasing popularity, as reported by law enforcement agencies.
The image credit for the photo belongs to the Excelsior Springs Missouri Police Department.
The drug was identified by officers using a small blue box known as “True Narc.” This device has the ability to index a wide range of drugs, including both solids and liquids.
With the use of a laser, law enforcement is able to avoid direct contact with drugs, which can be hazardous and potentially fatal, especially when dealing with substances like fentanyl. Instead, they can simply project the laser onto the pill or crystals to quickly determine the type of drug present.
“It’s absolutely amazing. This tool has proven to be invaluable for our team. The best part is, we don’t even have to worry about the financial aspect. The cost of $25,000 is covered by a public safety sales tax,” Dowdy enthusiastically shared. “Our community truly looks out for us through this initiative. The sales tax is specifically designated for the benefit of the police and fire departments.”
Law enforcement officers are currently collaborating with state and federal partners to facilitate the progression of prosecution.
The department acknowledged the collaborative effort of several offices in apprehending the suspect, giving credit to Cpl. Thornton, Officer Griffin, and Officer Bierle for their role in stopping the suspect. The team received assistance from Sgt. Craven, Cpl. Stott, and Officer Sanchez.
The drug seizure was also aided by the presence of the Clay County K-9 Unit.
