Two local people arrested for numerous illegal narcotic charges

In a press release from Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Dustin Moeller, Picayune Police Narcotics Division Detectives were conducting proactive patrolling on January 30, 2019, at approximately 2:56 p.m., when they observed a white Nissan Altima being driven by a subject who was not wearing a seat belt. Detectives attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but were unsuccessful when the vehicle did not stop. Detectives pursued the vehicle south on South Beech Street and the vehicle turned left onto Rosa Street.

Once the vehicle turned onto Rosa Street, it came to a stop and at this time Detectives made contact with the driver of the vehicle identified as Joshua Remon Smith, age 35, of 15 La Sha Road Apartment 6, Picayune, MS, and the passenger, Ashley Rene McCree, age 29, of 1501 6th Avenue Apartment M-2, Picayune, MS.

Joshua Remon Smith and Ashley Rene McCree

Moeller’s press release stated that through investigation, Detectives learned that Smith did not possess a valid driver’s license. The Detectives conducted a pat down of McCree and Smith at which time they located one clear plastic bag containing several clear plastic bags which contained a large amount of a crystal-like substance believed to be Crystal Methamphetamine. It was learned through investigative techniques that Smith had allegedly conspired and transferred the narcotics to McCree in an attempt to conceal it from being found according to Moeller.

At this time, Smith was placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute within 1500 feet of a Church or School, Transfer of Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Transfer a Controlled Substance. McCree was placed under arrest for Unauthorized Driver due to allegedly allowing Smith willingly and knowingly operate the vehicle while not possessing a valid driver’s license.

Smith and McCree were transported to the Criminal Justice Center, booked on the charges, and incarcerated according to Moeller.