In a swift takedown this week, Odessa Police apprehended two individuals tied to a drug distribution scheme operating out of a local hotel.
Acting on a tip, officers arrested Jayden Patterson and Brayam Licon, both facing serious charges, including manufacturing and distributing controlled substances.
The investigation kicked off in September, when detectives received intel about Licon allegedly dealing fentanyl-laced M30 pills from his hotel room on John Ben Shepperd Parkway.
On September 23, surveillance efforts caught Licon hopping into a Chevrolet Silverado, which lacked a front license plate, prompting officers to initiate a stop.
Instead of complying, Patterson, behind the wheel, sped off, setting the stage for a brief chase.
The pursuit came to an abrupt end on Melody Lane, where Patterson crashed into a parked car, allowing officers to detain both suspects.
During the arrest, a small pill bottle was spotted on the ground, and the truck reeked of marijuana, leading to a search.
Inside, detectives uncovered over 10 grams of fentanyl-laced pills and 1.3 grams of cocaine. A follow-up search of Licon’s hotel room revealed even more drugs, along with a stolen AR-15 rifle.
While both men denied ownership of the drugs and firearm, they were arrested and charged. Patterson has since been released on a $55,000 bond, while Licon remains in custody, held on a $52,500 bond and an ICE hold.
This bust sheds light on the growing fentanyl crisis in West Texas, a battle law enforcement is fighting on the front lines daily.
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