MISSISSIPPI — An undercover drug operation in Pearl River County has resulted in 26 arrests and dozens of additional warrants, authorities announced Tuesday.
The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department said the arrests stem from “Operation County Sweep,” a yearlong investigation that used undercover buyers and informants to target suspected drug dealers ranging in age from 20 to 70.
Of the 26 people arrested, three were charged with drug trafficking and 19 were charged with sale of a controlled substance. Three others face charges of simple possession with intent to distribute, and one person was charged with simple possession. Law enforcement officers recovered marijuana, methamphetamine and fentanyl during the operation.
Authorities also issued warrants for 23 additional people on similar drug-related charges.
Other charges filed in connection with the sweep include possession of a weapon by a felon, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility and conspiracy to commit a crime.
“Operation County Sweep demonstrates the power of partnership,” Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said in a statement. “Multiple agencies came together with one goal — to remove criminals from our streets and protect Mississippi families and communities.”
Agencies involved in the operation included the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, Picayune Police Department, Picayune Special Operations, the FBI, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center Transport and Picayune Municipal Court.
A full list of those arrested is available on the sheriff’s department’s Facebook page.
