PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — Prestonsburg Police say several lives were likely saved as the result of tips that resulted in the arrests of three people for trafficking in fentanyl and other drugs.
Detective Brad Caldwell and Patrolman Dennis Hutchinson were investigating reports that an unknown man going by the name of “Florida Alexander” was selling a significant amount of drugs in Floyd, Johnson and Lawrence counties, when they received a tip that he was in Prestonsburg.
Undercover officers spotted the car and surrounded it in a gas station parking lot once it stopped. A man in the car — later identified as 26-year-old Franklin Penix, formerly of West Van Lear but currently residing in Portsmouth, Ohio — was allegedly holding a large bag of meth in his hands when officers opened the door.
Police found a total of 1.5 ounces of meth in the car, along with 4.25 grams of fentanyl and a variety of pills, along with trafficking materials.
Arrested with Penix were Sarah Moore, 36, and Doris Strickland, 47, both of Louisa.
The suspects are all charged with trafficking in fentanyl, meth and opiates, along with tampering with physical evidence and promoting contraband. They are currently being held in the Floyd County jail.
