SEDALIA, Mo. (KCTV) – Law enforcement seized more than 1,000 THC products, 15 guns and $58,000 from a Missouri man.

The Sedalia Police Department says Trenton R. Willis, 26, of La Monte, was arrested on Monday, Dec. 29, following a months-long investigation and a traffic stop by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

As of Wednesday, Willis remains in custody in Johnson County on two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. Additional charges are expected.

Traffic Stop Leads to Major Bust

Sedalia PD says the case began to come to a close when State Troopers stopped Willis’ white Cadillac Escalade on Highway 50 in Johnson County for speeding and window tint violations.

During the stop, K-9 Cav from the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office alerted to the presence of illegal drugs, according to the police department. Troopers searched the vehicle and found around 20 lbs. of marijuana.

Police say marijuana wax products, vape pens and a loaded handgun were found under the driver’s seat. Willis was arrested as $2,040 in cash was seized from him.

Search Warrant Reveals Massive Operation

On Dec. 30, law enforcement officials note that a search warrant was executed at Willis’ home. The search revealed what has been described as a substantial illegal THC distribution operation.

Police seized:

• 11 lbs. of high-grade marijuana
• 209 bottles of THC-infused syrup
• 91 packages of THC-infused gummies
• 538 disposable THC-infused vape pens
• 184 THC vape pen replacement cartridges
• 8 rifles
• 7 handguns
• 1,860 rounds of ammunition
• More than $58,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal marijuana sales
• A 2017 Cadillac Escalade believed to have been used to transport drugs

In total, police say they seized more than 1,000 individual THC products.

Investigation Began in October

Sedalia Police indicate that the investigation into Willis began in October 2025 after receiving reports of illegal drug sales in Pettis County.

Investigators determined Willis allegedly sold large amounts of marijuana and THC-infused products to customers in Pettis and Johnson Counties.

Police say Willis operated his own unlicensed cannabis dispensary in violation of Missouri state laws that regulate the legal sale of such products.

What Makes This Illegal?

Missouri legalized recreational marijuana in 2022, but the sale of cannabis products is tightly regulated. Only state-licensed dispensaries can legally sell marijuana and THC products.

The operation of an unlicensed dispensary violates Missouri’s controlled substance laws and bypasses state regulations designed to ensure product safety, prevent sales to minors and collect tax revenue.

What’s Next?

Court records indicate that Willis is set to appear in Johnson County court on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 7.

The case remains under investigation by the Sedalia Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office.

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