Forbes Gets 12 Years for Meth Push in Poplar Bluff

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – Joshua E. Forbes, 31, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, is headed to federal prison for a full 12 years after a ruthless pursuit by law enforcement revealed a significant methamphetamine operation. U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. delivered the sentence Thursday, stacking a 10-year term for drug trafficking onto a two-year violation of Forbes’ supervised release from a prior heroin case.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, exposed Forbes as a key player in a six-week drug-selling spree between June and August of 2023. Forbes personally sold methamphetamine to an undercover member of the Task Force, and then directed others within his network to push the drug on six separate occasions. The total haul: roughly 450 grams of methamphetamine and 14 grams of cocaine, all traded for a dirty $3,810.

This wasn’t a first offense. Forbes was already walking a tightrope, serving supervised release after being convicted on three counts of heroin distribution back in 2021. Apparently, the lesson hadn’t stuck. He traded one poison for another, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and a commitment to profiting off the misery of others. The court clearly wasn’t impressed with his repeat offender status.

Forbes entered a guilty plea in January at U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau, admitting to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. A plea deal couldn’t save him from the full weight of the evidence and the judge’s firm stance against drug peddlers. The government successfully argued that Forbes’ actions warranted a substantial sentence to protect the community.

The takedown was a collaborative effort, involving not only the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, but also agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and officers from the Poplar Bluff Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting a solid case that left Forbes with little room to maneuver. This bust sends a clear message: pushing poison in Southeast Missouri will be met with swift and severe consequences.

Forbes’ 12-year sentence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of methamphetamine and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking operations. The Grimy Times will continue to track this case and other federal crimes impacting communities across the nation. Consider this a warning to anyone else thinking of following in Forbes’ footsteps – the price of dealing death is steep, and the consequences are permanent.