Pubdate: Sat, 18 May 2002 Source: Glasgow Daily Times (KY) Copyright: 2002 Glasgow Daily Times Contact: http://www.glasgowdailytimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2078 Author: Stacy L. Neitzel, Glasgow Daily Times Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) POLICE: SEVERAL MAJOR PLAYERS OFF THE STREET Exactly one week later, phase one of Operation Crackdown, an eight month undercover investigation which resulted in the arrests of 41 people last week, is winding down, said officials with the Glasgow Police Department. "Phase two has already begun," said Glasgow Police Chief Darrell Pickett, of the second undercover operation currently underway. A Barren County Grand Jury issued sealed indictments for the arrests of 45 people who were suspected of selling drugs, said officials with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. "We have very strong cases," said Commonwealth's Attorney Karen Davis. She said the state plans to present evidence of audio tape recordings of the defendants allegedly selling drugs. Davis said a few individuals were arrested for "doctor shopping" or misinforming a physician in order to obtain prescription drugs. Twenty-seven people who were arrested in connection with the undercover drug sting operation were arraigned in Barren Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon and others are scheduled to appear in court Monday, said Davis. Pretrial has been set for June 17. "They will be arrested as soon as we locate them," said Pickett of the four remaining suspects who are believed to have fled the area. The names of the individuals wanted in connection with various drug offenses will be entered into the nationwide computer network for police agencies, explained Harris. By entering the names into the network, the Glasgow fugitives can be picked up by law enforcement agencies across the U.S. The eight month-long investigation was kept "strictly confidential for the protection of the informant, as well as the officer," said Pickett, who said police officers learned of the drug sting the day of the operation. Pickett, Harris, Glasgow Police Det. Hugh England and Davis carefully organized the investigation and collected evidence since last September. In accordance with chapter 218 A of the KRS statutes, the police department seized three vehicles during the city-wide drug sting and are presently in the process of attempting to seize a fourth through the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, said authorities. Under this statute, any property is subject to forfeiture if used in the commission of a crime, including vehicles, aircraft, vessels, houses, land and or property. The confiscated vehicles, with an estimated value of $10,000 plus, will be sold at a public auction and the funds generated from the sale used to benefit the police department, either for training or equipment such as body armor. The money will help to offset the cost of the investigation, said Harris. The police department also seized a small amount of money during last week's drug raids. "It went off without a hitch," said Col. Ron Harris, of the investigation which lead to the arrest of over 40 people and the largest drug bust in the city's history. Harris said he was proud of the professional manner in which the officers conducted themselves and the success of Operation Crackdown. "I think we got several major players off the street," said Pickett. "I commend Col. Harris and Det. England for a splendid job with the investigation," he continued, adding that he applauded the patrol officers as well, who routinely make drug busts during traffic stops. "If you're going to sell drugs in Glasgow, sooner or later you are going to get caught," warned Pickett. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth