Two arrested in connection with Meth after traffic stop

On December 14, 2025, at approximately 4:00AM, a deputy with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the 4200 block of South McClelland Blvd in Joplin. During the traffic stop, it was learned that the passenger of the vehicle, Raul Ulloa SR., a 66-year-old male of Springfield had active warrants from Joplin PD. Mr. Ulloa was arrested on these warrants.

During the arrest, the deputy noticed a bag in the vehicle that contained a white crystal-like substance. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and the bag was retrieved from the vehicle. The white crystal-like substance in the bag field tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately 15 grams. The driver of the vehicle, Bryan Houk, a 49-year-old male from Diamond was placed under arrest for Delivery of a Controlled Substance. A search of Houk revealed more baggies containing suspected methamphetamine as well as a large amount of cash.

In total, approximately 22 grams of suspected methamphetamine was seized along with over $6,000 in cash. Charges for Delivery of a Controlled Substance were submitted to the Newton County Prosecutor for review and charges were filed on Bryan Houk. Houk remains in custody at the Newton County Jail on a $5,000 cash warrant.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is committed to removing illegal narcotics from our community. If anyone has any information about illegal narcotics activity, we ask that you contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office at 417-451-8000 and ask to speak to a deputy.