An Abilene Multi Police Task Force Arrest 9 for Drug Trafficking

When law enforcement agencies team up, things get serious fast. And that’s exactly what happened in Abilene when local, state, and federal authorities joined forces for a major narcotics investigation that stretched across multiple locations in our community.

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Major Operation Targets Drug Trafficking in West Texas

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the Abilene Police Department’s Special Operations Division, alongside the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) - executed six federal search warrants.

This wasn’t just another routine bust.

This was part of a multi-agency push to disrupt drug trafficking routes that run right through our part of West Texas. Because of Interstate 20—stretching from near the Texas/Mexico border all the way to the Louisiana line—Abilene often becomes a corridor for drug and human trafficking. Local law enforcement has said repeatedly: crime doesn’t just pass through… it stops here, as you'll see in the video below.

Six Arrested on Federal Drug Distribution Charges

The following suspects were arrested on federal drug distribution charges:

• Demonte Stewart
• Michael McAnn
• Janette Thomas
• Kevin King
• John Rangel
• Tony April Quiroz

Three Others Arrested on State Drug Charges

Three more individuals are facing serious state-level felony charges:

• Derek Hernandez - 1st Degree Felony, Delivery of Methamphetamine
• Sean Moss - State Jail Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine
• Artavious Hawkins - Multiple Felonies
  • 3rd Degree Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Two counts of 1st Degree Aggravated Robbery
  • One count of 2nd Degree Robbery

Search Warrants Executed Across Abilene

Warrants were executed at:

• Mandalay Apartments - 1700 block of North 10th Street (three warrants)
• Cedar Creek Apartments - 1900 block of Denton Street
• A residence - 1100 block of Orange Street
• Vehicle stop - S. 14th and Willis

These locations span multiple neighborhoods, showing just how widespread the investigation was.

Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty

All individuals listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A criminal complaint represents allegations, not evidence.

Law Enforcement Thanks the Community and Partners

In the press release, APD extended its thanks to its partners, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, for their support in this investigation. Furthermore, Abilene continues to show that West Texas is not a place where criminal activity goes unchecked. The message from law enforcement is loud and clear:

If you bring drugs or trafficking through our city, expect Abilene to fight back.

Read More: Why Fall Is Prime Time For Burglaries In Texas Homes