SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) – A collaboration involving Somerset Police Department and state and federal law enforcement partners has led to one of the largest drug seizures in Somerset police history.
Two Somerset men, Wesley Aaron Calhoun and Dennie A. Smith were indicted in a U.S. District Court on the backs of a five-month joint investigation between the Somerset PD, Kentucky State Police, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Officers confirmed that 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, six handguns, two AR rifles, and over $30,000 in cash were confiscated.
The collaboration was part of a united vision between Somerset PD and the current Somerset mayor, according to Somerset Police Chief William Hunt.
“When Mayor (Alan) Keck took office three years ago, we had a vision for taking our narcotics division from one investigator to three and getting an officer assigned to the DEA Task Force to increase our capacity for conducting drug investigations,” Hunt said. “Our hope was that one day, doing so would lead to major seizures like this one.”
Hunt also said the vision is becoming a reality after three years.
“Because of these changes, we’re having a greater impact on public safety in our community, and we have more opportunities to develop relationships with state and federal partners,” Hunt said. “I am grateful to Mayor Keck and the Somerset City Council for seeing our vision and giving us the resources to extend our investigations.”
Somerset police confirmed that Calhoun and Smith were each charged with conspiracy to distribute 550 grams of a methamphetamine mixture and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Calhoun was also charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm as a felon.