The Osage Beach Police Department K-9 Unit, in collaboration with the Mid-Missouri Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force, arrested a suspected drug trafficker, leading to the seizure of a ¼ lb. of methamphetamine on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
The Task Force had been tracking 43-year-old Michael L. Hartwell as part of an ongoing investigation and followed him into Camden County. Upon entering Osage Beach, Task Force officers requested assistance from the Osage Beach Police Department.
Corporal Stephen Riner located Hartwell in the 5900 block of Osage Beach Parkway, where he observed Hartwell enter a vehicle and drive away. Cpl. Riner confirmed Hartwell did not have a valid driver’s license with Osage Beach Police Dispatch and followed the suspect. When Hartwell pulled into a closed business, Cpl. Riner initiated contact.
During the interaction, Hartwell displayed signs of drug use. When asked for consent to search the vehicle, Hartwell refused. At that point, K-9 Officer Freya was deployed for a “free air” sniff, and she signaled the presence of illegal drugs.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered:
- Four baggies contained approximately ¼ lb. of methamphetamine
- Hypodermic needles
- Glass pipe
- Two digital scales
- Metal scoop
- Small box with a white crystal substance
- Portable battery with a white crystal substance believed to be meth
- $175 in cash
Hartwell was on probation for and parole for Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was taken into custody and transported to the Camden County Jail. He has been charged with Trafficking Drugs or Attempt – 1st Degree – Over Statutory Amount, with bond denied. This arrest marks another successful collaboration between the Osage Beach Police Department and the Mid-Missouri Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force in the fight against drug trafficking.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges filed are merely accusations, and defendants are entitled to a fair trial.