Piper Comanche And Firearms Among Items Seized

Two men were arrested on July 29 at the Ruleville-Drew Airport (M37) in Drew, Mississippi, after landing and their Piper Comanche was searched along with a residence connected to the two that resulted in the discovery of 247 pounds of marijuana, $295,495 in cash, and two firearms.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said the arrest was the result of a joint operation that involved the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Sunflower County Sheriff’s Office, the Winona Police Department K-9 Unit, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The men arrested were 63-year-old William Claren of California and 66-year-old Mississippi resident Mark Bailey. The ongoing investigation included the execution of a search warrant at a residence in nearby Drew, where in addition to the marijuana and cash, a Taurus PT22 .22 cal pistol, and a Springfield Model 67VR shotgun.

The Piper Comanche was included along with the other items seized in the arrests. The two were charged with Trafficking Marijuana and Conspiracy, and the agencies involved said the investigation is continuing and more arrests and seizures are anticipated.

Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety said, "This operation highlights the strong collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking. We remain committed to identifying and dismantling criminal networks that bring illegal drugs into our communities. I want to commend the agents and officers involved for their continued dedication to keeping Mississippi safe.”

W. Dewayne Richardson, District Attorney for the Fourth District said, "The District Attorney's Office applauds the collaborative efforts of our state and local law enforcement agents.  We look forward to holding those criminal elements responsible for their actions on both the state and federal level."

FMI:  www.dps.ms.gov/