On July 29, two men, one from California and one from Mississippi, were arrested at the Ruleville-Drew Airport on suspicion of trafficking a large amount of marijuana.
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) agents, assisted by the Sunflower County Sheriff’s Office and the Winona Police Department K-9 Unit, arrested William Claren, 63, of California, and Mark Bailey, 66, of Mississippi. Both are charged with marijuana trafficking and conspiracy.
As part of the ongoing investigation, officials carried out a search warrant at a Drew residence, resulting in more seizures. Agents seized approximately 247 pounds of marijuana and $295,495 in United States money. Officials also confiscated a Piper/Comanche fixed-wing single-engine plane, a Taurus PT-22 caliber handgun, and a Springfield Model 67VR shotgun.
“This operation highlights the strong collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking,” said Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS). “We remain committed to identifying and dismantling criminal networks that bring illegal drugs into our communities.”
