Amite County authorities are calling the confiscation of 72 pounds of marijuana in a Monday afternoon drug raid one of the largest busts in county history.
The bust, which led to three arrests, was the second joint narcotics operation in less than a week between county law enforcement and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Charged in the case are:
• Kevin Devon Smith, 28, 532 Warren St., McComb, who is charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession of synthetic cannabis.
• Willie Lee Turner, 31, 5076 Upper Glading Road, Amite County, who is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Kaldrickiya Allen, 19, 609 Argyle St., McComb, who is charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Sheriff’s department officials said they confiscated the marijuana after they and MBN agents executed a search warrant at Turner’s home.
“It’s the largest drug bust in Amite County history, according to our research and everyone we’ve talked to,” sheriff’s investigator Danny Meaux said.
Lawmen found three green vacuum-sealed bales of marijuana in the living room, Wroten said.
The marijuana has an estimated street value of $60,000, MBN agents said.
Authorities also confiscated two shotguns, a rifle and three grams of synthetic cannabis from the residence.
Allen, who reportedly was a week overdue to give birth, was released due to the late stage of her pregnancy, Wroten said.
Smith and Turner have bonds of $300,000 each. They are being held in the Amite County Jail.
Deputies made the arrests Monday at 5:24 p.m. at Turner’s residence.
MBN officials said the bust capped off a week-long investigation.
A week ago, Wroten announced the arrest of five Amite and Wilkinson County men on conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and other charges.
The Amite County sheriff’s department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics also worked together on that case.
