2 arrested in fentanyl task force sting
Two Neshoba County men were arrested on felony drug charges during a special sting operation last Thursday evening.
The Fentanyl Strike Force Saturation Detail involving multiple state and local agencies was launched in Neshoba and Leake counties on Dec. 14.
“Multiple agencies participated within their own jurisdiction in an effort to conduct proactive narcotics investigations in the area,” said Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark.
Among those arrested was Jamie Anderson, 45, 10800 Highway 16 East, charged with two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and the sale of a controlled substance.
Anderson was served the warrant while on his way home on Highway 16 at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, according to Clark. After serving the warrant officers found felony amounts of morphine and oxycodone at his home, Clark said.
The other felony arrest was Jay E. Byars, 58, 11100 Road 802 near Arlington off what is known as the River Road. He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Byars was also cited for no insurance, a seatbelt violation, and a switched tag.
Byars was stopped on Road 602 near the intersection with Highway 19 North for a seatbelt violation, which led to the discovery of the switched tag and no proof of liability insurance, Clark said. Officers discovered a felony amount of methamphetamine on him during the traffic stop.
Deputies noticed Byars was walking in an odd manner and asked him to take off his shoe. Deputies then discovered a felony amount of crystal methamphetamine.
Clark said both men were specific targets of Thursday evening’s sting operation.
According to Neshoba County Jail records both men remained in custody on Tuesday.
In addition to those two arrests, Clark said deputies issued nine traffic citations, one DUI-first offense, and served two contempt of court warrants on the detail.
If you have any information on criminal activity in Neshoba County, call (601) 656-1414 or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-855-485-8477.