Drew, MS — A major drug bust in Sunflower County led to the seizure of 247 pounds of marijuana, nearly $300,000 in cash, and even a single-engine airplane, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN).
Arrests Made at Ruleville-Drew Airport
On July 29, MBN agents — assisted by the Sunflower County Sheriff’s Office and the Winona Police Department K-9 Unit — arrested 63-year-old William Claren of California and 66-year-old Mark Bailey of Mississippi at the Ruleville-Drew Airport.
Investigators say the arrests came during an operation targeting large-scale marijuana trafficking in the region.
Search Warrant Yields More Evidence
Following the arrests, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence linked to the suspects. This resulted in the recovery of additional bulk marijuana and U.S. currency as reported by WLOX.
Items Seized
From the airplane and residence, agents confiscated:
- $295,495 in cash
- 247 pounds of marijuana
- Piper/Comanche fixed-wing single-engine airplane
- Taurus PT-22 caliber pistol
- Springfield Model 67VR shotgun
Both Claren and Bailey were charged with trafficking marijuana and conspiracy.
Investigation Still Active
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics confirmed that additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues. Officials have not disclosed whether the seized airplane was used to transport the drugs into the state.
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