Columbus, Texas – A multi-agency narcotics investigation under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program has led to the arrest of a Columbus man following an early-morning operation at a local motel, according to authorities.
Arrest Following Early-Morning Warrant Execution
On December 15 at approximately 5 a.m., members of the Austin County Regional Special Response Team (SRT) executed search and arrest warrants at a motel room located in the 2200 block of State Highway 71 in Columbus. The warrants stemmed from an ongoing narcotics investigation into complaints of illegal drug sales operating out of the location.
During the operation, Michael Lee Aguilar, 44, of Columbus, was taken into custody. Aguilar was arrested and charged with manufacture and/or delivery of a controlled substance. He was subsequently booked into the Colorado County Jail, where he remains pending further legal proceedings.
Investigation Led by Westside Narcotics Task Force
The investigation was led by the Westside Narcotics Task Force, a HIDTA-supported unit that focuses on disrupting drug trafficking operations across multiple counties west of the Houston metropolitan area. Authorities confirmed the task force had been actively investigating reports of narcotics distribution connected to the motel prior to the arrest.
The task force is a collaborative effort involving investigators from multiple local, county, and federal agencies, including the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville Police Department, Sealy Police Department, Hempstead Police Department, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Officials noted that the task force now spans five counties, reflecting the expanding scope of narcotics enforcement needs in the region.
Task Force Origins and HIDTA Designation
The Westside Narcotics Task Force was officially formed in 2020 to address increasing drug trafficking activity in rural counties west of Houston. Austin County Chief Deputy Matt Walls played a key role in the formation of the unit and previously worked narcotics investigations for nearly two decades.
Walls said he spent 10 years assigned to the DEA within a HIDTA unit prior to 2020, gaining experience in federal drug trafficking investigations nationwide.
“I have worked narcotics for the past 17 years before 2020, and I worked 10 years assigned to the DEA in a HIDTA unit, which stands for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area,” Walls explained. “It is funded by money released across the United States through Congress.”
Why HIDTA Status Matters
According to Walls, becoming a HIDTA-designated area was a critical step in strengthening regional drug enforcement efforts. He said Austin County had to formally petition Congress in 2013 to obtain HIDTA status.
“It basically shows we have a nexus to drug trafficking and a need for this funding that allowed us to participate in these federal programs,” Walls said.
HIDTA funding enables agencies to share intelligence, deploy specialized resources such as highway interdiction teams and canine units, and work across jurisdictional boundaries more effectively.
Building a Multi-Agency Network
Walls said that prior to the task force’s creation, drug enforcement in the region often relied on limited personnel.
“You’re just a one-man band,” he said, describing earlier efforts. “I noticed a lot of these counties in the Metro Houston area were not HIDTA counties, and I knew there was a need for a multi-agency task force west of Houston.”
He said outreach to surrounding police departments and sheriff’s offices led to the formation of the original four-county initiative, with Austin County serving as the host agency. Since then, the task force has expanded and now includes full-time DEA assets.
“I can’t be more proud of the guys than I am,” Walls said.
Ongoing Enforcement Efforts
Authorities emphasized that investigations like this one remain ongoing, and additional arrests are possible as task force members continue to pursue narcotics trafficking networks operating in the region.
Anyone with information related to illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or their county sheriff’s office.
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