For further information please contact: Sergeant, Jason P. Clark
(573) 522-0980
DDCC
1223090425

EMPHASIS: Narcotics Investigation



Captain Luke Vislay, Director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces the arrests of Michael Knipfel, 48, and Paul Knipfel, 45, both of the Martinsburg, Missouri. The arrests were subsequent to a long term undercover narcotics investigation that ended with the execution of two search warrants at the suspect's homes.

Search warrants were conducted by the East Central Drug Task Force, the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Rural Crimes Investigative Unit on the two locations in Martinsburg, Missouri.

During the execution of the search warrants, approximately 30 lbs of marijuana, 2 ounces of methamphetamine, US Currency, numerous firearms and approximately 20,000 dollars in stolen equipment, tools and merchandise, were seized.

Michael Knipfel was charged with;
a. Possession with the intent to distribute Marijuana
b. Possession with the intent to distribute Methamphetamine
c. Receiving stolen property
d. Cultivation/Manufacture of Marijuana

Paul Knipfel was charged with;
a. Possession of Methamphetamine
b. Receiving stolen property

The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence is support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is a participating agency of the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force formed by Governor Jay Nixon in September 2009.


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