Columbia Police make significant arrest, methamphetamine seizure

On Dec. 22, detectives with the Columbia Police Department's Vice, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, working in coordination with the North Missouri Drug Task Force, the Boone County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations, conducted an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Columbia. As part of the investigation, a residential search warrant was served in Boone County.

The operation resulted in the arrests of Hector Hernandez Medina, 28, of the country of Mexico, and Ebonie Lewis, 49, of Columbia, and the seizure of a firearm and approximately 56 pounds of suspected methamphetamine concealed within household items.

Investigators determined the methamphetamine was shipped from Mexico to Columbia through a commercial delivery service. During the investigation, Medina was determined to be unlawfully present in the United States.

Medina was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree drug trafficking and one count of second-degree drug trafficking. Lewis was arrested and charged with first-degree drug trafficking, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Anyone with information related to drug activity in Columbia is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 573.875.8477 or visiting http://www.p3tips.com/899. Individuals providing information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.

Case Number 2025-011753

Missouri statutes:

579.065, 579.068 - Drug Trafficking

571.070 - Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

579.015 - Possession of a Controlled Substance

571.070 - Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

571.030 - Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Attachments:

• Hector Hernandez Medina

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