TOPEKA, KAN. – A shockwave has hit Clay County as Matthew Pfeiffer, 43, of Morganville, Kansas, stands accused in a federal indictment of growing thousands of poppy plants at his residence with the intent to manufacture heroin.
The investigation kicked off when local law enforcement received intelligence that Pfeiffer was cultivating Papaver somniferum – the opium poppy. A June 4, 2020, raid on his home in Morganville yielded over 4,000 plants, which authorities promptly seized.
“Opium poppies are an unfamiliar sight in Kansas,” U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister stated, “and we want to keep it that way. It is unlawful to grow poppies for the purpose of producing opiates.”
According to Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan, the DEA and its law enforcement partners managed to thwart Pfeiffer’s heroin production scheme. He added, “This case should serve as an example that the DEA is committed to preventing further harm caused by the opioid crisis in rural America.”
Pfeiffer faces serious charges, including attempting to manufacture opium, manufacturing thebaine, and using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. A conviction could lead to up to 20 years in federal prison and fines exceeding $1 million.
The investigation was led by the DEA and the Riley County Police Department with support from various local law enforcement agencies. As always, Pfeiffer is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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