Six people arrested in CODE Task Force operation

LEXINGTON, Neb. -- Authorities said a CODE Task Force operation led to the arrest of several people on drug charges Wednesday morning in Nebraska and Kansas.

The Nebraska State Patrol said the CODE Task Force includes officers from several law enforcement agencies in west-central and southwest Nebraska. The Force obtained arrest warrants for several suspects in connection to a narcotics investigations in Dawson County.

Authorities arrested 35-year-old Brianna Pena, 31-year-old Shelby Irish, 44-year-old Christopher Twohig, 26-year-old Luis Valdez, 29-year-old Eric Valtierra and 31-year-old Luis Lazo-Escobar.

Pena was arrested in Lexington for distribution of methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Irish was arrested in Oberlin, Kansas for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of meth.

Twohig was arrested in Cozad for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession with intent to distribute meth, and habitual criminal.

The NSP said that during the arrest, Twohig was found to be in possession of meth, marijuana, and a firearm, which led to additional charges of possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana – less than one ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm during a drug violation.

Valdez was arrested in Broken Bow for possession with intent to distribute meth.

Valtierra, who is currently incarcerated with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), has been charged with possession with intent to distribute meth.

Lazo-Escobar, who is also currently incarcerated with the NDCS, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of meth within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The CODE Task Force was assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office and FBI.