Deputies arrest two during Lee County meth trafficking probe

LEE COUNTY, Miss. — Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, executed a search warrant Sept. 3 at a residence in the Pratts Community following a lengthy narcotics investigation, Sheriff Jim H. Johnson said in a Facebook post.

During the search, Gary Ward, 39, of the Pratts Community, was taken into custody and charged with trafficking of methamphetamine, the post said. Adam Ray, 45, of Saltillo, was also arrested at the residence on an outstanding Mississippi Department of Corrections warrant.

Ward appeared Sept. 4 before a Lee County Justice Court judge and was given a $250,000 bond, the sheriff’s post said. The post said the investigation remains active and ongoing as deputies and narcotics agents review evidence and pursue additional leads.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department leads local law enforcement in the county and frequently works with regional narcotics units on drug investigations. Trafficking of methamphetamine is a focus of state and local law enforcement because of its public safety impacts.

Investigators said additional arrests or charges may result as the probe continues. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.