Gaza, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — A long-term investigation conducted by the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force led to the arrest of a Gaza man Monday afternoon. The O’Brien County Sheriff’s department executed a search warrant at the home of 43-year-old Joel Wallinga at 6116 433rd Street. They were assisted by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Osceola County Sheriff’s Department, and Sheldon and Estherville police departments.
Sheriff Bruce Devereaux says the search uncovered drugs and paraphernalia. Wallinga was charged with 2nd offense possession of methamphetamine, 2nd offense possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, a violation of the state’s drug tax stamp law, and due to the volume of contraband found – drug trafficking. If convicted Wallinga could be incarcerated for 25 years.

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The O’Brien County Sheriff’s department arrest log says a 23-year-old Ocheyden man was arrested on similar charges Sunday. Sheldon police took Rian Engelkes into custody at 1989 Park Street in Sheldon. He was charged with drug trafficking, 3rd offense possession of controlled substances, and drug tax stamp violations.