Paducah man charged with trafficking in meth, firearms

A Paducah couple was arrested Wednesday morning after police investigated reports of trafficking in meth and firearms.

Drug detectives began investigating 46-year-old Joshua Riley. They purchased a handgun from Riley and obtained evidence indicating his involvement in methamphetamine trafficking.

Joshua Riley and 42-year-old Kassandra Riley were inside their South Friendship Road residence when the search warrant was served. Riley has multiple prior felony convictions, including assault and drug trafficking. He is also a registered sex offender following a conviction for third-degree rape. Due to his criminal history, the department’s SWAT team was used to safely the secure the location.

While at the residence detectives located additional contraband indicating Joshua Riley’s involvement in meth and firearms trafficking. 

Detectives also found Kassandra Riley in possession of a small quantity of suspected meth.

Both were arrested and lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail. Joshua Riley was charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and trafficking in a controlled substance.

Kassandra Riley was charged with possession of a controlled substance.