Picayune Police undercover operation leads to drug arrest

On Tuesday, August 15th at approximately 7:45pm, Picayune Police and Narcotic Detectives conducted an undercover operation with the Picayune Housing Authority at 610 Lewis Circle, according to Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Magri.

Narcotic Detectives made contact with a suspect who sold what was believed to be crystal methamphetamine to a confidential source. The suspect was identified as Michael Woodward, age 25, of address Martin Luther King Boulevard, Lot 6, Poplarville.

Detectives said they found Woodward had a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance and a glass pipe containing a white burnt residue in his right hand. The glass pipe was consistent with the type used to smoke and inhale crystal meth. Magri stated that while conducting a search on Woodward at the scene, a patrol officer located a large clear bag containing a crystal substance inside one of Woodard’s socks.

Woodward was placed under arrest and transported to the Criminal Justice Center where he was booked for Sale of Controlled Substance-felony within 1500 feet of a school or church, Possession of Controlled Substance-misdemeanor with Intent to Distribute within 1500 feet of a school or church, and Possession of Paraphernalia.