Nine arrested after major meth trafficking investigation in McCracken County, deputies say
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A monthslong narcotics investigation by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office has led to nine arrests, the seizure of large amounts of methamphetamine and stolen firearms, and multiple search warrants across western Kentucky.
Investigators said the case began in February when detectives with the sheriff’s office drug division launched an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in McCracken County. Detectives identified 28-year-old Anthony Farmer of Louisville as a suspected supplier of crystal methamphetamine being distributed in the area.
On May 19, detectives coordinated with the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations Interdiction Unit to stop a vehicle Farmer was driving on Interstate 24 in McCracken County. Authorities said a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, and a search allegedly uncovered more than 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a stolen handgun.
Farmer and passenger Camryn Craig, 25, of Clarksville, Tennessee, were arrested and booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.
Detectives later executed a search warrant at an Airbnb in Hopkinsville, where additional narcotics were allegedly found with assistance from the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Investigators also executed search warrants at two properties on Metropolis Lake Road in McCracken County. At one residence, authorities arrested Zackery Henley, 38; Bobby Akins, 40; and Delilah Mejia-Lopez, 30, also known as Mollie Neal. Detectives said they recovered methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a handgun reported stolen during a recent vehicle break-in in McCracken County.
Authorities also discovered a live artillery shell on the property, prompting a response from the Paducah Bomb Squad for safe removal and disposal.
At a second property on Metropolis Lake Road, detectives said Jackie Henley, 59, and Roy Glisson Jr., 44, were found hiding in a detached garage. Investigators said methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a rifle were recovered during the search.
On May 20, detectives executed another search warrant at a home on Oaks Road in McCracken County, where authorities said they found methamphetamine, scales, baggies, syringes and other items associated with drug trafficking. James E. Abanatha, 54, and Carol A. Darnell, 51, were arrested following the search.
Sheriff Ryan Norman said the amount of methamphetamine and stolen firearms recovered posed a significant danger to the community. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
