The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published April 29, 2015

OB K9 Axel assists in large marijuana bust

LAKE OF THE OZARKS – A request for assistance by the Missouri Highway Patrol has resulted in a large marijuana bust in Lake Ozark.

On April 16, Osage Beach Officer Sam Ford and his K9 partner, Axel, were asked to assist at a traffic stop on Horseshoe Bend Parkway in Lake Ozark.

According to police, a 2007 Cadillac was stopped on the parkway and was displaying a 2013 expired dealer tag. The vehicle was being driven by Michael J. Hall, 31, who was suspended.

“The state trooper also found that the interior of the vehicle had been altered consistent with the transportation of illegal drugs and also found items associated with the possession of firearms,” a police spokesman said.

Upon Axel’s arrival, he immediately alerted on the vehicle indicating that illegal drugs had been present, police said.

A search warrant was obtained for both Hall’s residence and vehicles. A search of a condominium located on Horseshoe Bend was conducted.

Axel discovered over nine pounds of marijuana and other illegal drugs, firearms and drug paraphernalia, according to police.

Hall was arrested and charged with:
• Distribute/Deliver/Manufacture/Produce or Attempt to or Possess with intent to Distribute/Deliver/Manufacture/Produce a Controlled Substance
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawful Use Of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving While Revoked/Suspended - 1st Offense

Bond was denied and a Counsel Status Hearing is scheduled for April 29.

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