Regional drug investigation brings arrests; seizure of drugs, cash, and firearms

A multi-agency drug investigation Friday targeted methamphetamine trafficking operations active across western Kentucky.

The joint effort resulted in the arrest of three individuals, and the seizure of significant amounts of methamphetamine, cash, and firearms, one of which had been reported stolen.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office led the operation in partnership with the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Paducah Police and Hopkinsville Police. 

Detectives seized approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, more than $10,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and two firearms.

Detectives conducted a traffic stop at a Paducah hotel and two individuals, 34-year-old Nathan Bledsoe of West Paducah, and 35-year-old Ashley Higginbotham of Paducah. A search of their vehicle and hotel room reportedly found methamphetamine packaged for distribution, marijuana, a handgun, and cash believed to be drug related. 

Later that afternoon, detectives arrested 34-year-old Travis Lacy of Hopkinsville, after observing him travel to Paducah to deliver methamphetamine. 

A search revealed a large quantity of methamphetamine hidden in Lacy's vehicle, along with a loaded firearm and a large amount of cash.

Intelligence gathered during the investigation was shared with the Hopkinsville Police Department, which led to an additional search at a Hopkinsville home, and resulted in the seizure of more methamphetamine. 

Bledsoe, Higginbotham, and Lacy were all charged on drug and firearm offenses, and Lacy was charged with receiving stolen property-handgun.

The three were taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.


PHOTOS: McCracken County Sheriff's Office, courtesy