Murder convict accused of running ‘full-service drug operation’ selling to minors near Texas schools

A Texas man with a prior murder conviction is accused of running a “full-service drug operation” near several schools where authorities say surveillance showed what appeared to be teenagers purchasing narcotics and fentanyl pills disguised to look like ecstasy.

The Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force raided a home in the 1200 block of Appomattox Drive in Texas City Aug. 18 after a two-month investigation, and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team conducted the tactical entry.

The target of the investigation, Jahml McDonald, 50, of Texas City, was arrested and charged with two felony controlled-substance offenses, according to the sheriff’s office.

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Detectives said they seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills, along with THC wax, marijuana, THC vapes, promethazine and dozens of bottles of liquor.

The sheriff’s office said the fentanyl pills were “disguised to resemble ecstasy/MDMA pills” and were brightly colored to resemble recreational party drugs.

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Task force surveillance observed what appeared to be teenagers purchasing narcotics from the residence, which is near Giles Middle School, College of the Mainland and two local elementary schools, according to FOX 26.

“This is a full-service drug operation, including the ability to pay with credit card,” Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli said. “This is a convenience store for poison that was taken down.”

Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said McDonald previously served 25 years for a murder conviction and was out on bond in a pending marijuana case at the time of his arrest.

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Cusick pledged to seek the maximum prosecution available.

“This offender needs the full attention of my office,” Cusick said. “This person has a criminal history, a murder conviction, drug convictions and (is) now peddling these type of substances on a house near a college, a community college, two elementary schools within walking distance. This is outrageous.”

Residents living near the Appomattox Drive home said they had noticed heavy vehicle and foot traffic around the residence.

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“Every time I came by, there was traffic, traffic, traffic,” neighbor Donald Moore told FOX 26. “Teenagers jumping out, running to the house. … I know eventually, with all of this traffic and with all the drugs being dealt, the next thing is gonna happen is gunfire. Somebody’s gonna get hurt or killed.”

A judge upheld a combined $2 million bond for McDonald, with $1 million set on each charge, according to FOX 26.