A month-long investigation into drug crimes in Columbia has resulted in the arrest of a convicted felon. 

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department obtained a search warrant for Joseph F. Roland, 30, and he was arrested Friday, according to a news release.

Tom O’ Sullivan, Boone County Sheriff’s Department detective, said investigators believe Roland is heavily involved in drug trafficking in Columbia and Boone County.

“He traffics cocaine and marijuana,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said investigations revealed four locations used in the operations — a hotel room, Roland’s car and residences on Bethany Drive and Beechwood Drive.

Evidence officers found in those locations included a 40-caliber handgun, 680 grams of cocaine, 38 grams of marijuana and more than $16,000 cash in small denominations.

“The hotel in question was very cooperative in the investigation, and because we don’t want to give them negative publicity, we’re not giving out the name of the establishment,” Sullivan said.

Roland is charged with trafficking drugs in first degree, distribution of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm. His bond is set at $60,000 cash.

Violations of Missouri statutes for drug trafficking in the first degree differ based on the drug and amount of drug involved.
 
For cocaine, if the quantity involved is 450 grams or more, the suspect shall be sentenced to the authorized term of imprisonment for a Class A felony to be served without probation or parole.
 
For marijuana, if the quantity involved is between 5 grams and 30 kg, it is classified as a Class B felony with an imprisonment term of five to 15 years and a maximum fine of $20,000.
 
The authorized terms of imprisonment in Missouri for Class A felonies are a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years or life imprisonment.
 
There have been 16 reported cases of drug abuse in the city in the past month, according to Raids Online.