Authorities foil fentanyl trafficking organization

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Authorities from multiple agencies were able to thwart a fentanyl drug trafficking organization in Madisonville.

Officials from the Madisonville/Hopkins County VICE Narcotics Unit and the KSP Special Investigations and Drug Enforcement Unit began the investigation with a controlled purchase and were able to seize several drug pills. counterfeit fentanyl. Officials say during the purchase, investigators were able to identify Robert Daugherty, 21, of Slaughters, as one of the primary suppliers.

On May 29, detectives allegedly conducted a traffic stop in Madisonville where additional counterfeit fentanyl pills were seized. Authorities say Jayla Western, 18, of Madisonville, was in possession of the pills. Officials say Western was observed during surveillance purchasing the pills from Julio Rivera in the 200 block of Bernard Drive. Authorities also say the driver of the vehicle was identified as Juwon Smith, 19, of Dawson Springs. He was allegedly in possession of suspected marijuana and a defaced firearm.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence on Bernard Drive. Authorities say the following items were seized:

• Two ounces of suspected counterfeit pills
• Three ounces of suspected marijuana
• About two ounces of suspected THC wax
• 22 THC vape cartridges
• Two handguns

Daugherty and Rivera were allegedly present at the residence during the execution of this warrant.

Another search warrant was granted for the 4400 block of State Route 1835 in Slaughters, Daugherty's residence. Officials say the following were seized from this warrant:

• About a pound of suspected marijuana
• A pound of wax suspected of THC
• Quantity of suspected methamphetamine
• Four additional guns

Daugherty was charged with aggravated trafficking in a controlled substance, trafficking in marijuana and possession of a controlled substance.

Rivera was charged with trafficking in controlled substances and marijuana.

Shawn Bailey was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

Western was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Smith was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of a degraded firearm.

Officials say investigators split the pills into four separate doses for each pill, accounting for about 2,300 overdoses that were successfully prevented.

MHCVNU officials thanked several other agencies that assisted, including KSP, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Paducah Post of Duty, the Madisonville Police Department and the Webster County Sheriff's Office.