Traffic stop in Paducah leads to drug trafficking arrest

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A traffic stop led to the arrest of a western Kentucky man after deputies found multiple drugs and cash in his vehicle, according to local authorities.

Officials said a deputy conducted a stop around 4:30 p.m. April 8 on North Third Street for a moving violation. A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a search of the vehicle.

Authorities said the search uncovered methamphetamine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and drug paraphernalia. Deputies also seized $1,048 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

The driver, Thomas J. Owen, 46, of Fredonia, was arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

Owen is charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree; trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; and a traffic violation.

The charges are allegations, and Owen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.