Over the past approximate month the, Marshall County Sheriff Department, Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force, Eddyville Police Department, and the McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division has been investigating a large Methamphetamine trafficking ring. The investigation began with several undercover Methamphetamine purchases which occurred in several different Western Kentucky counties. The investigation led detectives from the above agencies to the Lone Oak area of McCracken on the morning of June 16, 2009 at approximately 01:58 a.m. On this date and time detectives conducted a traffic stop in the area of 2550 Lone Oak Road on Everette E. Tabor. A search of Tabors vehicle revealed approximately one ounce of Crystal Methamphetamine, digital scales with Meth residue on them, and over $8,000.00 in US Currency. A search of the motel room in which Tabor was staying at along with his wife, Heather Tabor, was also searched. A search of the room revealed a small quantity of Marijuana and other related items.

Based on the investigation detectives, whom were aware of Tabors supplier, continued the investigation. This investigation resulted in surveillance being conducted on a Melber man who was identified as being 77 yoa Robert J. Richards of Melber. A surveillance detail on Tuesday June 16 at about noon resulted in Richards being approached by detectives in the parking lot of a local restaurant in the area of Kentucky Oaks Mall on Hinkleville Road. Detectives recovered approximately eight (8) ounces of Crystal Methamphetamine off of Richards person (valued at about $22,000 dollars) in which was concealed in his socks. The investigation revealed that Richards was at this establishment to sell approximately 6 of the 8 ounces of Methamphetamine. Late Tuesday afternoon, detectives obtained a search warrant for Richards home located at 3021 County Line Road in Melber. A search of the home revealed an additional quantity of Methamphetamine (approx eight additional ounces valued at another $22,000) that was hidden in a freezer along with an undisclosed amount of US Currency, small quantity of Marijuana, items of drug paraphernalia, drug ledger, semi automatic 22 caliber handgun, and other related items. The total amount of Methamphetamine recovered was approximately one (1) pound.

Due to phone conversations that had been monitored by detectives Richards suppliers were identified as Hispanic males from the Mayfield area. Detectives were able to determine based on the conversations that a large Methamphetamine delivery was scheduled to take place in the Melber area on Wednesday June 17, 2009. Detectives from the McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division contacted the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) along with the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Section for assistance in the operation. Several officers joined forces in efforts to intercept the Methamphetamine delivery. On 06/17/09 shortly after 10:00 a.m. two Hispanic males were spotted in the Melber area driving a 1992 Honda Accord. Surveillance on the vehicle resulted in the delivery of approximately two (2) pounds of Methamphetamine (street value of about $88,000). Following the delivery the vehicle was stopped and both occupants were arrested. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Diego Mendez-Lopez. The passenger was identified as being Jose Andres-Francisco. Both were arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

"We are aware of the importance of area law enforcement agencies working together, and sharing information. The goal is to stop the flow of crystal methamphetamine into our area, and to hold those responsible accountable." Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

With the recent influx of not only imported crystal methamphetamine but also local meth labs, these recent cases should be a signal that area law enforcement are listening and watching, and reacting." Sheriff Jon Hayden.

At the conclusion of this investigation a total of approximately three (3) pounds of Methamphetamine was seized. The street value of the Methamphetamine has a street value of approximately $135,000.00.

ARRESTED: Tabor, Everette E. 26 years of age

Of Princeton, Ky

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Methamphetamine)

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia

CHARGED: Tabor, Heather A. 31 years of age

Of Paducah

CHARGES: Possession Of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia

ARRESTED: Richards, Robert J. 77 years of age

Of Melber

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Methamphetamine)

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia

ARRESTED: Mendez-Lopez, Diego. 22 years of age

Of Mayfield

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Methamphetamine)

ARRESTED: Andres-Francisco, Jose. 24 years of age

Of Mayfield

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Methamphetamine)

Everyone arrested in this case were transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

End Of Release

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division