Two Hopkins County men and a Christian County man, who were arrested after an investigation into a drug trafficking operation, were indicted by the Hopkins County Grand Jury.
A true bill was returned on Stephen Binnix of Hanson on charges of engaging in organized crime and three counts of first-degree trafficking of a controlled substance of fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives. The alleged crimes occurred between February and April of this year.
Jakkur Stum of Madisonville was indicted on charges of conspiracy of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance of fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives from April 1, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance of fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives from March 6, engaging in organized crime between February and April, and two counts of first-degree possession of a controlled substance from April 3.
Jarell Lidell of Hopkinsville was indicted on charges of engaging in organized crime, receiving stolen property – firearm, and three counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives from April 3.
The three men were arrested after an investigation spearheaded by the Madisonville-North Hopkins County Vice/Narcotics Unit in collaboration with the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations West Division.
Authorities reported that over the course of a several-month investigation, detectives carried out multiple controlled purchases from Binnix, as well as Stum and Lidell. During these operations, detectives reportedly acquired powder fentanyl on several occasions. Police said the substance was sent to the Kentucky State Police Forensics Lab for analysis, where it tested positive for fentanyl.
Police said that detectives executed two search warrants in Madisonville and one in Hanson, resulting in the seizure of suspected fentanyl powder, a handgun, cash, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana.
The three men were booked into the Hopkins County Jail.
