Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jul 2003
Source: Picayune Item (MS)
Copyright: 2003 The Picayune Item
Contact:  http://www.picayuneitem.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1309
Author: John McMullan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

HANCOCK SHERIFF'S DEPT. ARRESTS 32 ON DRUG CHARGES

HANCOCK COUNTY -- The Hancock County Sheriff's Department made 32 arrests 
Tuesday during a seven-hour roundup targeting suspected street-to mid-level 
drug dealers.

The arrests, dubbed "Operation Bus-um" because of the department's recent 
acquisition of a bus from the Hancock County School District, began at 
about 4:30 a.m. and focused on Bay St. Louis, the Catahoula community and 
several other areas throughout the county.

Two of those arrested by the special operations team were the 16-year-old 
son and the wife of Charles Lapine, who remains in the Pearl River County 
jail after a one-vehicle accident on Mississippi 43 South in February left 
four people dead, including the Lapines' seven-month-old son. Six people 
were injured in the crash.

Matt Karl, director of the sheriff department's narcotics division, said 
Tuesday's arrests stemmed from an undercover investigation into the sale of 
cocaine, marijuana and various pills, including some OxyContin.

Those arrested were charged with one or more counts of sale of a controlled 
substance, Sheriff Steve Garber said. Bonds began at $10,000 on each count.

Prisoners were booked at the National Guard Armory in Bay St. Louis and 
later transported to the Hancock County jail.

The roundup came three months after "Operation No Fooling" in which 58 
arrests were made, Karl said. Forty-three warrants were served during 
Tuesday's raids and more arrests are expected.

Garber said the roundup should be a wake-up call to those who want to sell 
drugs in the county.

"I think we definitely sent a message in Hancock County that we don't mess 
with drugs," he said.