To: All News Agencies

From: Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

Date: January 4, 2008

Re: Paducah Man Arrested On Prescription Pill Trafficking Charges

An approximate month long investigation lead to the arrest of a Paducah man (Dennis Smith) late Friday evening. The McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division received a complaint that alleged Smith to be involved in selling his Lortab pills after his prescription was filled from month to month. Sheriff's detectives made arrangements through the use of an under cover officer to purchase a quantity of Lortabs from Smith on January 4, 2008 at 9:29 p.m in the area of Highland Blvd and Elmdale (located in the area of Forest Hills). This transaction took place in the presence of another individual in whom also purchased several Lortab 10 mg pills from Smith at the same time.

The sales was recorded and marked buy money was utilized to make the purchase. Smith was the stopped at the intersection of Highland Blvd and Avondale in Forest Hills. A search of his person revealed the buy money along with additional US currency. The additional currency was accrued according to Smith as the result of additional Lortabs that he sold prior to the transaction that was conducted with the undercover officer. A search of the 1997 Ford truck that belonged to Smith revealed approximately 100 additional Lortab 10 mg pills that had been filled earlier the same day.

Smith was arrested and transported to the McCracken County Sheriff Department where an interview ensued. During the interview Smith informed detectives that he had been selling Lortabs for the past approximate 2 1/2 years. Smith vehicle was towed and is subject to forfeiture.

"We often get complaints concerning individuals selling there prescription medications. Many times these type of complaints are difficult to investigate. It's wrong that people abuse physicians and pharmacists to obtain medications only for financial gain and is a much larger problem than most people would think." Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

ARRESTED: Smith, Dennis J. 51 years of age

Of North 14th Street

CHARGES: Two Counts Of Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The Second Degree (Lortab)

Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The Second Degree (Lortab) is a Class D Felony and is punishable up to 5 years in prison.

The Lone Oak Police Department assisted with this investigation.

End Of Release

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

McCracken County Sheriff's Department Drug Division