Drug raid nets 11 pounds of marijuana
A suspicious package scheduled for delivery with the United Parcel Service (UPS) ultimately resulted in the arrest of four people at an Oneida residence on Thursday afternoon.
The Eighth Judicial District Drug Task Force, Scott County Sheriff’s Department and Oneida Police Department cooperated with the investigation of the package and subsequent arrests, which resulted in the seizure of some 11 pounds of marijuana.
According to Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Bobby Ellis, his office was contacted by the Oliver Springs Police Department on Wednesday (Feb. 20) about the package. Officers there had been contacted by UPS security workers after the package raised suspicions.
“The UPS had attempted to deliver the package to an address that doesn’t exist,” Ellis said. “The sender somehow contacted UPS to change the address, and their workers became suspicious.”
Oliver Springs officers checked out the package with a drug dog, which alerted them to possible illegal drugs inside the box. The package was then opened, and approximately five pounds of marijuana found inside.
It was at that point that Oliver Springs contacted Scott County authorities, and an investigation was put into motion by the Sheriff’s Department and OPD. The assistance of the Drug Task Force was also sought.
“We wanted to make sure we were on sound legal ground for a controlled delivery,” OPD Chief Mike Cross said. “Sgt. John Terry spoke with drug agents with the TBI and the Drug Task Force, and also consulted with the D.A.’s office to make sure we were on sound legal ground.”
Ultimately, an undercover officer with the Drug Task Force conducted a controlled delivery of the package to the Oneida residence. The package was allegedly accepted by James H. Roark, 44, of Whitley City, Kentucky. Roark was placed under arrest.
A short time later, authorities say, three more individuals stopping by the residence were also arrested. Those arrests included Bettina E. Jay, 29, of Parker’s Lake, Kentucky; Gerald S. Strunk, 31, of Strunk, Kentucky; and Robert R. Marlar, Jr., 40, of Winfield.
Allegedly, Marlar admitted to having received a shipment through UPS the same day, containing an additional six pounds of marijuana. Officers searched Marlar’s home and allegedly seized that package as well.
All suspects were charged with attempt to possess a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to sell/deliver more than five pounds, and conspiracy to possession a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to sell/deliver more than 10 pounds. Marlar was also charged with felony possession of marijuana.
Ellis said that more arrests are likely to result from the investigation.
“This is a prime example of agencies working together at the Sheriff’s Department and with Oneida in the city to take care of the problem with drugs flowing through our community,” Ellis said. “I commend Chief Mike Cross and his men for their hard work, and the director of the Drug Task Force for his hard work. He was outstanding.”
Authorities said it was not believed that the owner of the residence where the arrests took place was aware of the drug activity.