Pursuit, drug seizure cap weeks-long investigation by MCSO and Paducah Police

A pursuit and the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine capped a weeks-long investigation conducted by the McCracken County Sheriff's Office and Paducah Police.

Back in May, a joint investigation was launched into meth trafficking in McCracken County. An alleged supplier was identified as 46-year-old James E. France of Paducah. Investigators learned that France was reportedly making runs to St. Louis to purchase meth before bringing it back to Paducah for sale - all while on felony parole. 

On Sunday night detectives spotted France in a vehicle along Cairo Road, but he sped away when they tried to stop him. Detectives believed that France threw drugs out of the vehicle as they pursued him into western McCracken County.

France reportedly lost control of his vehicle and crashed on Ingleside Road. He was arrested at the scene without further incident. A 46-year-old female passenger was not arrested and refused treatment. 

Detectives retrieved over 100 grams of crystal meth from the side of Woodville Road.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, France has four previous convictions for trafficking in meth and cocaine. 

France was taken to the hospital for the treatment of minor injuries before being booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail. He has been charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, tampering with physical evidence, speeding, fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, and other traffic violations.