Three arrested, more than 3 pounds of meth seized in Western Kentucky investigation

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — Three people were arrested and more than three pounds of crystal methamphetamine were seized during a joint drug trafficking investigation involving the McCracken and Ballard county sheriff’s offices.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after detectives received information about several people suspected of trafficking methamphetamine across multiple Western Kentucky counties.

During the investigation, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 24 in McCracken County.

The driver was identified as Donald “Mark” Hannan, 35, of Wickliffe, and the passenger was identified as Samantha Brugger of Smithland.

Authorities said a sheriff’s office K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered methamphetamine concealed inside the vehicle and additional methamphetamine in Brugger’s purse.

Detectives also seized cash believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.

Hannan and Brugger were arrested and booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.

According to court records, Hannan was previously convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in Livingston County in 2025. That conviction is separate from the current investigation.

As the investigation continued, detectives from both sheriff’s offices executed a search warrant at a home in the 2800 block of Tabor Road in Wickliffe.

During the search, investigators reported finding more than three pounds of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value exceeding $30,000.

Authorities also found digital scales, drug paraphernalia and approximately 40 firearms.

Laken Conyers, 32, of Wickliffe, was arrested in connection with the investigation and booked into the Ballard County Jail.

The suspects face the following charges:

Donald “Mark” Hannan, 35, of Wickliffe:
– Careless driving
– Trafficking in methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense
– Possession of drug paraphernalia

Samantha Brugger, of Smithland:
– Trafficking in methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense
– Possession of drug paraphernalia

Laken Conyers, 32, of Wickliffe:
– Firearm-enhanced trafficking in methamphetamine
– Possession of drug paraphernalia

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office credited the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in the investigation.

Authorities said the investigation highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking throughout Western Kentucky.