FRENCHBURG – An eight-month investigation by Operation UNITE into drug trafficking in Menifee County resulted in a drug round-up for 12 individuals on Thursday, June 26.

Most of the drug purchases made during the investigation involved sales of Methadone, Percocet or marijuana.

Law enforcement officers from the Menifee County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the roundup. By mid-day eight of the suspects had been arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Those charged were:

Brandon Allen, age 21, of Highway 1274, Frenchburg, two counts trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces and one count trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.

James Allen, age 45, of Craig Hill on KY 36, Frenchburg, trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces (second offense).

Phillip T. Becraft, age 29, Highway 36, Frenchburg, cultivating marijuana less than 5 plants (second offense) and second-degree persistent felony offender.

Tina L. Becraft, age 24, Highway 36, Frenchburg, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Corey Douglas Byrd, age 28, of Tarr Ridge, Frenchburg, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

David Igo, age 55, Cub Run Road, Wellington, cultivating marijuana more than 5 plants (second offense), possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wendy Prater, age 29, Highway 36, Frenchburg, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Mickey Smith, age 35, Highway 36, Frenchburg, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, three counts third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, one count possession of marijuana, and second-degree persistent felony offender.

For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.

* * * * *

In 2003, Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (R-Somerset) worked to create Operation UNITE, a regional anti-drug initiative empowering citizens groups and community leaders in 29 southern and eastern Kentucky counties. UNITE, which stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment & Education, seeks to fight the drug epidemic by expanding drug awareness and education programs to keep people from using drugs; coordinating drug treatment and outreach programs for those who are already addicted; and operating regional undercover law enforcement task forces for interdiction and prosecution of those dealing drugs. Rogers has directed $36.6 million in federal funds to the counter-drug initiative over the past five years. For more information contact Karen Engle toll-free at 1-866-678-6483.

Drug Tip Hotline – 1-866-424-4382 / Treatment Referral Hotline – 1-866-90-UNITE (1-866-908-6483)