Two residents of southwest Missouri have been charged in federal court after law enforcement seized approximately 44 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.
Michael Wilson, 49, from Lamar, Missouri, and Amber Beck, 34, from Eagle Rock, Missouri, face charges of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Both appeared in court following their arrests on February 9, 2026.
Court documents state that on February 7, 2026, a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer stopped a vehicle on I-44 in Jasper County and discovered the suspected methamphetamine. An affidavit alleges that Wilson and Beck had made repeated trips to the Phoenix, Arizona area to purchase methamphetamine for distribution.
“The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Lucas is prosecuting the case. The investigation involved the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, Missouri State Highway Patrol, the DEA and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. According to officials: “This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri manages federal prosecutions across 66 counties from Iowa to Arkansas borders. The office addresses issues such as violent crime and drug trafficking through community outreach programs and works with various law enforcement partners. Offices are located in Kansas City, Jefferson City and Springfield (official website).
