On August 3, 2012, detectives with the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department Drug Division arrested a couple for the manufacturing and trafficking of methamphetamine. Detectives continued the investigation on Saturday August 4, 2012, which culminated in a joint effort search warrant by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department Drug Division and the Paducah Police Department D.A.V.E. Unit. The search warrant was executed at a residence on Clay Street in Paducah Sunday morning just after midnight .
Detectives’ investigation led to Van Nguyen located in the 2100 block of Clay Street. Upon executing the search warrant, officers and deputies were met with two large and aggressive pit bulls which attempted to attack officers and were shot as a result. While officers were attempting to contain the vicious pit bulls, Nguyen attempted to flee the residence through a window, but was taken into custody.
K-9 Handler Nathan Antonites and his K9 “Junior”, of the Paducah Police Department, conducted a search around where Nguyen jumped a fence and located a bag containing approximately nine individually packed baggies of crystal methamphetamine, morphine, ADHD pills, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. The meth seized has an estimated street value of over $1600.
Further search of the residence revealed a number of firearms, drug paraphernalia, evidence of drug trafficking, and surveillance equipment that were seized. An undisclosed amount of US currency believed to be proceeds of illegal drug sales was also seized. Detectives found and seized a drug ledger, in Nguyen's clothing, containing names and amounts that were owed to him. Nguyen was lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail.
The McCracken County Animal Warden responded to the scene and took possession of the pit bulls. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests are likely.
