2007 Sheriff's report shows drug-related crime increase

According to the Bates County Sheriff’s 2007 year end report, the total amount of crimes investigated by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office increased from 583 crimes in 2006 to 785 crimes in 2007.

The sharpest increase was noted in drug-related arrests. In 2006, the Sheriff’s Office investigated 14 drug cases. The Sheriff’s Office investigated 136 drug cases in 2007. These drug cases have resulted in a seizure of over two thousand pounds of marijuana, along with methamphetamine and cocaine. The drug statistics generated by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office are comparable to the statistics reported by Multi-County Drug Task Forces throughout Missouri.

The Sheriff’s Office has also noticed an increase in assaults, property damage, stealing and tampering. Along with investigating crimes and patrolling the County, deputies served 1,173 civil and criminal papers in 2007.