Saint Louis Man Busted For Drug Trafficking In Laclede County

A man from St. Louis has been accused of engaging in second-degree drug trafficking in Laclede County. The Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group had been investigating 50-year-old LZ Pepper, for his involvement in the distribution of fentanyl in the Laclede County region since March 2022.

According to investigators, on May 13, 2023, troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol obtained a search warrant to install a Global Positioning System (GPS) device on Pepper’s vehicle.

The GPS data indicated that the vehicle was in the St. Louis area on May 24. Then, on May 30, investigators observed the GPS device heading back towards Laclede County. They followed the Mercedes from Pulaski County into Laclede County, where detectives from the Sheriff’s Office attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the Mercedes refused to pull over, leading to a high-speed chase. Due to safety concerns, law enforcement decided to terminate the pursuit.

Later, the Mercedes was traced to Don’s Auto Repair on Highway 32 in Lebanon. When authorities arrived on the scene they found the Mercedes unoccupied but discovered Pepper in the driver’s seat of another vehicle, allegedly tampering with the ignition. Consequently, Pepper was arrested by the investigators.

While searching the trunk of Pepper’s Mercedes, investigators uncovered a lunch cooler containing 67 small bags filled with a white powder. The total weight of the bags was approximately 46 grams, and a TruNarc handheld analyzer indicated the presence of fentanyl in the substance. Furthermore, the cooler contained mail addressed to Pepper, a Missouri identification card, an insurance card, and a debit card, all under Pepper’s name.

Pepper has been charged with second-degree drug trafficking and resisting arrest by fleeing. He was taken into custody and is currently being held without bond at the Laclede County Jail.