Police in Letcher County executed a massive drug seizure this week which, according to one officer, took perhaps the “biggest drug dealer” in the county off the street.
The Letcher County Sheriff’s Department told EKB News that four pounds of crystal methamphetamine was seized this week, along with 10 grams of heroin, several firearms, $5,000 in cash and a pickup truck. 62-year-old Danny Robert “Donny Bob” Collins, of Bottom Fork, and his daughter, 36-year-old Samantha Danielle Collins, were arrested in the bust.
Letcher County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Alisha Congleton characterized Danny Collins as being a major drug dealer in Letcher County. She said the approximate street value of the crystal meth seized in the bust is about $189,000, and the total street value of the drugs seized in the bust was about $200,000.
“If feel like this particular case has put the biggest drug dealer in Letcher County behind bars,” Congleton said.
Congleton said the investigation that resulted in Collins’ arrest was months-long, but he had been on law enforcement’s radar for about a year. She said Letcher County had “seen a flood” of methamphetamine, particularly crystal meth, come into the county over a short period of time.
The deputy said she is confident Collins was supplying other drug dealers in Letcher County. She said she hopes Collins’ arrest “puts a dent” in the drug trade in the county.
She also said Collins’ alleged drug dealing activities are likely linked to other crimes.
“There are several thefts, there are overdoeses that can be attributed to this one case,” Congleton said, adding that she hopes this case will help stem those crimes and instances of overdose.
Congleton said the Pike County Sheriff’s Department assisted Letcher County deputies in serving the search warrant against Collins. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office provided the use of its K-9 unit, Copper, during drug bust.
Both Danny Collins and Samantha Collins remain lodged in the Letcher County Jail on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, greater than two grams, and controlled substance endangerment to a minor in the fourth degree.
The Mountain Eagle in Whitesburg is reporting that Samantha Collins was also arrested for being a fugitive from another state.
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