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