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McCracken detectives seize parcels of meth, arrest Paducah man

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office said that a multi-agency investigation uncovered a large meth trafficking operation in McCracken County.

Sheriff’s detectives developed information that 35-year-old Richard Johnson of Paducah was receiving parcels through the U.S. mail containing controlled substances originating from California. 

Some of the parcels were intercepted prior to Johnson’s arrest and were found to contain multiple pounds of meth. The investigation determined that the meth was being distributed in McCracken County.

Their investigation determined that on July 29, Johnson went to a Paducah-area post office and mailed two Glock handguns, intending for the firearms to be delivered to an individual in California. Johnson is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

The firearms were intercepted and seized by United States Postal Inspectors.

On Friday, detectives arranged a controlled transaction involving Johnson and a cooperating source. Johnson agreed to provide approximately one-quarter pound of methamphetamine in exchange for two handguns. Johnson traveled to a hotel located on John Puryear Drive to complete the transaction. Johnson arrived with a simulated controlled substance that he intended to represent as methamphetamine.

As deputies moved to take Johnson into custody, he fled on foot but was apprehended.

During the arrest, law enforcement recovered the simulated controlled substance, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and other related evidence. 

Johnson was arrested and lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail. His charges included conspiracy to trafficking in methamphetamine, possession for sale or transfer of a simulated controlled substance, fleeing or evading police, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

McCracken Sheriff’s detectives were assisted in the investigation by United States Postal Inspectors, the Hopkinsville Police Department, the Paducah Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Investigators anticipate additional arrests and potential federal prosecution. 

At the time of his arrest, Johnson was also out on bond in connection with burglary charges stemming from an incident involving a Paducah business.


(Photo: McCracken County Sheriff's office)
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