Officers with the Paducah Police Department performed a traffic stop on a vehicle Friday morning. According to officers, 48-year-old Byrone Keith Burns was arrested as a result of the stop due to indictment warrants charging him with trafficking in synthetic drugs.
At the time of his arrest, Burns was reportedly in possession of six grams of synthetic drugs. Detectives obtained a search warrant for his home on Atkins Avenue. After a search of the property, officers reportedly found 5.22 pounds of synthetic marijuana spread out on baking sheets to dry, along with plastic bags, a digital scale, and a handgun which was allegedly reported stolen from Mississippi. Burns has multiple prior felony convictions and is not allowed to own a handgun.
Officers claim the synthetic marijuana was emitting a strong chemical smell, and the house was evacuated. According to officers, there was a 10-year-old living in the home as well, and the mother said the smell was making her sick.
Burns was lodged in the McCracken County Jail.
He is being charged with trafficking in synthetic drugs, endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and receiving stolen property. He was also charged on indictment warrants charging him with trafficking in synthetic drugs (first offense), and two counts of trafficking in synthetic drugs (second offense).
