Multiple agencies take down drug operation

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Multiple people are behind bars after a drug operation is shut down by multiple law enforcement agencies.

The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office states on July 1, detectives conducted a joint investigation with detectives from the Henderson Police Department and Kentucky State Police at a residence in the 800 block of Hathaway Street in Owensboro.

Officials state while conducting surveillance, detectives saw several people come and go from the apartment with several leaving with small packages in their hands.

Traffic stops were conducted and one vehicle driven by James Brooks had a strong smell of marijuana. according to authorities. A search revealed marijuana, methamphetamine, multiple different pills and suboxone strips. Officials state Brooks also had a plastic bag in his pocket containing suspected crystal methamphetamine.

Officials say a second vehicle with Ray Morrow and Roger Ritch was also stopped, and a search resulted in the finding of a large quantity of marijuana and three individual plastic packages containing suspected methamphetamine.

Officials state a search warrant was secured by the Special Investigations Unit and executed along with DCSO Patrol and K-9 units. More evidence of an ongoing drug trafficking operation was seized including a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, over five pounds of marijuana, US currency, pipes, rolling papers, scales, over 20 dosage units of gabapentin, various other drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun.

Officials also state the total amounts included 12 pounds of marijuana, over 200 Hydrocodone pills, over 30 counterfeit Klonopin pills suspected to contain fentanyl and three pounds of methamphetamine.

Brooks, Morrow, Ritch along with Alisha Johnson were charged and booked into the Daviess County Detention Center.

Brooks is being charged with:

• Trafficking Controlled Substance
• Trafficking in Marijuana
• Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
• Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
• Trafficking in Legend Drugs

Johnson is being charged with:

• Trafficking Controlled Substance
• Trafficking in Marijuana
• Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess

Ritch and Morrow are being charged with:

• Trafficking Controlled Substance
• Trafficking in Marijuana

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