From the Howell County Sherriff’s Department:
On June 18, 2025, the Howell County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team executed a narcotics-related search warrant at a residence on Cherry Street in West Plains. This location had previously been the subject of a similar search warrant served by the West Plains Police Department and Howell County Sheriff’s Office on April 15, 2025. Despite prior enforcement efforts, illegal narcotics activity appeared to have continued at the residence.
The most recent search warrant was obtained by Deputy Kyle Hambleton following a weeks-long investigation, which led to the development of a new case involving suspected drug use and distribution by the occupants.
Unfortunately, all parties suspected of distribution of narcotics were not present at the time the warrant was served. However, Willard Martin, 58 of West Plains was present and was taken into custody.
Martin was also arrested during an April search warrant. Martin was out on bond from charges stemming from the April search warrant.
A search of the residence on June 18th, revealed multiple items consistent with the sale and distribution of narcotics. A substance suspected to be Methamphetamine, prescription narcotics and several items of paraphernalia was seized from the residence. Charges are forthcoming upon the return of drug analysis results at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab.
Advertisement
