Major drug trafficking ring dismantled

UPSHUR COUNTY – Following a nearly three-year investigation of drug trafficking in Upshur County, seven people have been placed under arrest in connection with a drug ring that had been distributing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to our news partner KETK and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy assigned to the DEA Task Force opened an investigation in December 2023 on Cole Seabolt, who is known as an illegal drug supplier in the county.

During the course of the investigation, authorities became aware of a drug trafficking organization that had operated in Upshur and surrounding counties, distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Several local law enforcement agencies, such as the Upshur and Gregg County Sheriff’s Offices, launched a comprehensive investigation into the organization. During the investigation, multiple suppliers were identified, including a couple of DEA priority targets, Michael Jones and Daetrum Odum.

While the investigation remained ongoing, Amanda Allen, who was an associate of Seabolt, was killed during an officer-involved shooting after she struck a patrol car, prompting deputies to fire shots at her in self-defense. Allen was believed to be carrying methamphetamine at the time of her death.

The investigation concluded in January 2026 with the arrests of Cole and Seth Seabolt, Jones and Odum, and several additional individuals who were found to be part of the organization, who have also been arrested over the past months.

During the course of the investigation, officials said they seized nine firearms, 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 344 grams of fentanyl powder and 678 grams of counterfeit oxycodone pills
Individuals arrested following the investigation include:
* Michael Jones: Charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and 2 counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
* Daetrum Odum: Charged with assault, family violence, manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
* Seth Seabolt: Charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and two counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
* Jasson Williams: Charged with two counts of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance
* Cole Seabolt: Charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and weapons violation
* Shannon Stouffer: Charged with possession of a controlled substance(not pictured)
* Kelly Miller: Charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana