McCracken, Ballard arrests net $30,000 in meth, 40 guns

The McCracken and Ballard County Sheriff’s Offices worked together to make three arrests and seize more than three pounds of crystal methamphetamine along with approximately 40 firearms.

The investigation began when McCracken detectives got information that multiple individuals were allegedly involved in trafficking meth in several western Kentucky counties.

As part of the investigation, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 24 driven by 35-year-old Donald “Mark” Hannan of Wickliffe, and accompanied by Samantha Brugger of Smithland.

A McCracken K-9 officer alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle. During a search, detectives located meth concealed inside the vehicle, along with additional meth inside Brugger’s purse and cash believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales. Hannan and Brugger were arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail on trafficking charges.

McCracken detectives then worked in coordination with the Ballard County Sheriff’s Office to execute a narcotics search warrant at a residence on Tabor Road in Wickliffe.

There detectives located more than three pounds of crystal meth with an estimated street value exceeding $30,000. Investigators also discovered approximately 40 firearms.

Officers arrested 32-year-old Laken Conyers of Wickliffe. Conyers was lodged in the Ballard County Jail, charged with firearm enhanced trafficking.