Months-long drug investigation nets 9 McCracken County arrests

A months-long narcotics investigation led by the McCracken County Sheriff's Office resulted in multiple arrests, and the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine and stolen firearms.

In February, detectives with the McCracken County Drug Division identified 28-year-old Anthony Farmer of Louisville as an alleged source of supply for crystal meth being distributed through the area. 

The investigation revealed Farmer was obtaining large quantities of meth and transporting them into McCracken County. Investigators also identified several additional individuals believed to be involved.

On Tuesday morning, detectives coordinated with Kentucky State Police to pull Farmer over on I-24. A police K-9 alerted, and a search reportedly resulted in the seizure of more than 500 grams of crystal meth, marijuana, and a stolen handgun.

Farmer and a passenger, 25-year-old Camryn Craig of Clarksville, were arrested and lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail.

As the investigation continued, detectives found additional narcotics at an Airbnb in Hopkinsville where the pair had reportedly been staying.

That evening, detectives executed two additional search warrants at properties on Metropolis Lake Road in McCracken County. Detectives arrested 38-year-old Zackery Henley, 40-year-old Bobby Akins, and 30-year-old Delilah Mejia-Lopez, also known as Mollie Neal. A search of one residence and an adjacent camper resulted in the seizure of meth, synthetic marijuana, and a handgun reported stolen during a McCracken County break in on May 15.

Investigators also located a live artillery shell on the property. The Paducah Bomb Squad assisted with removal and disposal.

Henley, Akins, and Mejia-Lopez are all convicted felons and prohibited from possessing firearms. Mejia-Lopez was additionally charged as a fugitive from justice in Tennessee.

At the other Metropolis Lake Road residence, detectives located 59-year-old Jackie Henley and 44-year-old Roy Glisson Jr. hiding inside a garage. A search of the garage recovered meth, marijuana and a rifle. Jackie Henley is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

On Wednesday, detectives searched a residence on Oaks Road. They recovered meth, digital scales, baggies, syringes, pipes and other items associated with narcotics trafficking.

Detectives arrested 54-year-old James E. Abanatha and 51-year-old Carol A. Darnell, both of McCracken County.

Additional arrests and charges are anticipated.