A narcotics distribution investigation concluded on February 17, when Henry County Sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant at 121 Kimway Drive, Axton.
Approximately two pounds of suspected Fentanyl, 1½ pounds of methamphetamine, and ½ pound of cocaine were seized, according to a release. The approximate street value of the narcotics seized is in excess of $100,000.
Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry said police developed information and issued a search warrant relatively quickly whereas an undercover operation could last anywhere from 6 months to a year and result in the indictments of a number of individuals.
“Any of the opiates can be fatal,” Perry said, but Fentanyl is particularly deadly. “Fentanyl is far stronger than any other opiate. It is a synthetic opiate and very small amounts, a few granules (the size of grains of sand) can be a fatal dose. It’s very powerful.”
Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is less likely to put someone in a medical emergency but places them in an altered state of consciousness that presents hazards of its own, Perry said. “It carries dangers, but it carries a different type of danger.” He said users sometimes experience hallucinations while carrying a weapon, or choose to operate a vehicle while in an altered state, both of which could lead to injury or fatality.
Both drugs can continue to affect the body for a long period of time, Perry said, while the effects of cocaine typically dwindle more quickly, and users typically are not as violent while under the influence as users of other drugs. Instead, “people commit crimes to get the money for cocaine,” he said, noting that it was the most expensive of the drugs seized. “It probably costs two or three times the price to do cocaine than heroine, Fentanyl, or meth,” he said.
In addition, three vehicles, four firearms, two sets of body armor, and $67,486 in U.S. currency also was seized during the investigation.
Tynanhry Tremaine Watkins, 31, of 121 Kimway Drive, is currently held in the Henry County Jail without bond on several charges:
- Possessing a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II controlled substance.
- Possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
- Possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 grams of Methamphetamine.
- Possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule I/II controlled substance.
Melinda Lynn Craft, 46, of 80 Boulder Road, Axton, has been charged with the following and
- Possessing a firearm while in possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance.
- Possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 grams of Methamphetamine.
- Possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule I/II controlled substance.
Craft also was held in the Henry County Jail without bond.
This matter remains under investigation, according to Perry, who added that larger drug operations are currently underway. Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
