A pair of pilots were flying high until they landed in Mississippi and were caught with a hefty amount of marijuana and thousands in cash.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety announced Monday that a joint operation on July 29 resulted in the arrests of Mark Bailey and William Claren at Ruleville-Drew Airport. A search of the plane and a subsequent search of a residence reportedly connected to the duo in Drew resulted in 247 pounds of pot, $295,495 in cash, and a couple of firearms being seized.
Bailey, 66, is from Mississippi, while Claren, 63, calls California home. Both were charged with trafficking marijuana and conspiracy following the seizure.
Agencies who have helped in the ongoing investigation are the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Sunflower County Sheriff’s Office, and the Winona Police Department.
“This operation highlights the strong collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking,” DPS Commission Sean Tindell said. “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.”
The announcement noted that additional arrests and seizures are anticipated with the district attorney and U.S. attorneys’ offices ready to prosecute any suspects involved.
“The District Attorney’s Office applauds the collaborative efforts of our state and local law enforcement agents,” DA W. Dewayne Richardson said. “We look forward to holding those criminal elements responsible for their actions on both the state and federal level.”
