Lee County Sheriff's Department Makes Major Fentanyl Bust

Written with artificial intelligence assistance.

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Department, on August 29, 2024, a coordinated operation between the Lee County Sheriff's Department and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit led to the seizure of a significant quantity of fentanyl pills in Lee County. Sheriff Jim H. Johnson reported that deputies executed a search warrant in the Guntown area, where they apprehended 58-year-old Theodis Barron Jr. in the driveway of a residence. Barron was found in possession of approximately 300 fentanyl pills, a quantity that constitutes drug trafficking.

Theodis Barron JrPhoto byLee County Sheriff's Department

Following Barron's arrest, authorities, including the Tupelo Police Department, carried out a second search warrant within the city limits of Tupelo. This operation uncovered over 2,000 additional fentanyl pills at a residence previously flagged by citizen complaints for illegal drug activity. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed pending results from the Crime Lab.

Sheriff Johnson emphasized the importance of the collaborative effort in addressing the threat of fentanyl. "Fentanyl is a significant danger to our communities, and we are committed to doing everything possible to prevent this hazardous drug from spreading."

Barron faces the following charges:

- Aggravated Trafficking of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – Fentanyl

- Trafficking of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – Fentanyl

A Lee County Justice Court Judge has set Barron’s bond at $150,000 for the trafficking charge, while no bond has been assigned for the aggravated trafficking charge.