CLEARFIELD — An investigation into a drug distribution ring that police believe targeted high school and middle school-age children culminated Friday with multiple search warrants and the arrests of two brothers.
Search warrants at four residences were served simultaneously Friday morning by the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force and Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Both agencies have been investigating a drug trafficking ring involving THC cartridges, THC wax and other marijuana products being distributed mainly in Davis and Weber counties.
According to the task force, there has been a big uptick in the last 18 months in the number of high schoolers and middle schoolers being caught with THC vape cartridges. Because of that, task forces in the area have been cracking down on distributors.
Nere Howard, 23, and his brother, Marc Rulon Howard, 20, were arrested Friday for investigation of engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity, possession of a weapon by a restricted person and drug distribution. Nere Howard was arrested for investigation of an additional count of engaging in a continuous criminal enterprise.
After conducting surveillance on Nere Howard for an undisclosed amount of time, investigators learned he had about a half-dozen people working for him as “runners,” a police affidavit states.
Marc Howard was “utilizing his social media accounts as a means to distribute controlled substances,” a second affidavit states.
Nere Howard also posted videos on his Snapchat account showing his followers that he carried a gun and him assaulting people, the affidavit states.
“The reason I posted those videos ... is not to look cool. It is a reminder it is people like me who will pull up to your house and handle you accordingly if you talk out ... people like me will show up to your house and handle you. So close your mouth,” he told his followers, according to the affidavit.
After the Howards were arrested Friday, investigators learned the two were planning on going to California to possibly commit a strong-arm robbery of an alleged drug dealer they claimed owed them money, the affidavit states.