KENTUCKY — A Franklin man has been arrested following a drug investigation in Simpson County that authorities say uncovered a large marijuana grow operation and other illegal substances.
According to the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force, agents executed a search warrant Monday at a residence on West Cedar Street in Franklin. During the search, investigators reported finding 25 marijuana plants, approximately 14 pounds of marijuana, firearms, a large amount of cash, psilocybin and various items of drug paraphernalia.
Michael Belcher, 57, of Franklin, was taken into custody at the scene.
Belcher is charged with trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school; first-degree possession of a controlled substance (first offense); prescription controlled substance not in proper container; trafficking marijuana (greater than five pounds, second offense – enhanced); cultivating marijuana (five plants or more, second or greater offense – enhanced); second-degree possession of a controlled substance (hallucinogen); possession of drug paraphernalia; three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and third-degree possession of a controlled substance (unspecified).
Assisting agencies in the investigation included the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Police Department, Kentucky State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Belcher was lodged in the Simpson County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.
