Last week, we brought you an article on Operation Velvet Fury, the Tulsa PD investigation that uncovered an alleged prostitution ring in Northeastern Oklahoma. While the name of the operation was definitely unique, as well as click-baity, it turns out Oklahoma law enforcement has a rich history of coming up with creative names for their investigations. Here are 7 of the best named real Oklahoma law enforcement operations.
Operation Smack Dragon
“Operation Smack Dragon” involved the take down of an alleged heroin trafficking ring in Tulsa. Law enforcement likely gave the operation its name because “smack” is slang for heroin and because dragons are f*cking badass.
-
Operation Pop Can
“Operation Pop Can” was an investigation that stretched between Oklahoma and Arkansas, which involved alleged money laundering and intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and meth. Again, there’s no way to tell how the law enforcement agents came up with the operation name. But I’m assuming it’s either because pop cans are the pipes of choice for most Oklahoma meth heads or the Eastern Oklahoma cops knew they could never top “Operation Smack Dragon” and gave up on finding a cooler name.
-
Operation Bates Motel
This operation was a multi-state investigation that led to 7.7 pounds of methamphetamine being seized in Oklahoma by federal law enforcement agents. Unfortunately, my internet search of the operation returned exactly zero reasons as to why it was titled “Operation Bates Motel.” My only speculation is that the operation got its name because in Western Oklahoma the term “motel” has always been synonymous with “drug dealer’s joint.” You don’t see this shit at hotel the Holliday Inn. That’s a science fact.
-
Operation Crack Pot
This investigation brought down a cocaine trafficking operation out of Ardmore. It was probably named “Operation Crack Pot” as a play on “crack” cocaine, but I’d like to think it was given its name because some 50-something-year-old cop was making a dad joke. Because you’d have to be a “crackpot” to do drugs, am I right, kids?
-
Operation Caveman
“Operation Caveman” was a sting operation in which undercover agents apparently made over 20 successful meth buys between four houses in Harper County. Law enforcement named the investigation after one of the accused dealer’s garages, apparently known by local drug distributors as “The Cave.” I learned two things from this investigation. 1. In 2009 a gram of meth cost $100. Which means 2. Buying 20 grams of meth is making a $20,000 purchase that can fit in a ¼ measuring cup. Suddenly I don’t feel so bad about paying $20,000 for an arts degree.
-
Operation Pill Box
This investigation led to the arrest of a dozen people accused of possessing with the intent to distribute oxycodone in and around Norman. According to the article, the arrestees were accused of storing their drugs at their business, Compton’s Air Quality Experts. It was named, “Operation Pill Box,” but I think law enforcement misused an opportunity for some great puns. Other worthy names for the investigation could’ve been, “Operation Straight Out of Compton,” “Operation Air Supply,” or “Operation Oxycontin-eyed Joe.”
-
Operation Bongo II
“Operation Bongo II,” featured in the Sam Anderson book Boom Town, was an experiment on OKC in the 1960s in which the city was subjected to daily blasts from jets in an attempt to test how well the citizens could handle “supersonic booms.” This was apparently to see how well Oklahoma City residents would cope with loud noises if the city were to become a center for supersonic air travel. According to Wikipedia, supersonic transport is designed to travel at a speed faster than sound travels. According to my neighbor, Oklahomans apparently can’t handle the sound of Spotify coming from a garage 2 doors down, so we sure the hell couldn’t handle hearing supersonic booms every day.
No word on what went down in Bongo I. Follow Hayley on twitter @squirrellygeek
