Seven individuals were arrested Tuesday as police in Pearl busted a local drug trafficking ring.
According to an announcement from the Pearl Police Department, the following individuals were taken into custody after being involved in the illegal sale and distribution of narcotics:
- Bruce Smith, of Pearl: Two counts of sale of a controlled substance
- Joseph Rabon, of Pearl: One count of sale of a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a church
- David Bradly Scott, of Pearl: One count of sale of a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a school
- Ryan Harper, of Pearl: Two counts of sale of a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a movie theater
- Jonvel Lewis, of Pearl: Two counts of sale of a controlled substance
- Kaleb Ingram, of Pearl: One count of possession of a controlled substance
- Nicholas Sanpaulin, of Pearl: One count of sale of a controlled substance
The announcement added that an investigation into the ring had been underway for several months and concluded in the execution of arrest warrants. Drugs reportedly being distributed were fentanyl, crystal meth, and various pharmaceuticals.
“This operation is part of a broader effort by the Pearl Police Department to combat the sale of illegal drugs and reduce drug-related crime in the community,” a portion of the announcement reads.
The Richland Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics aided in the investigation.