"Operation Crackdown" takes aim at drug dealers
Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Dustin Moeller said in a press release that the Picayune Police Department Narcotics Division, with assistance from the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, has been executing an ongoing investigation dubbed "Operation Crackdown" that is focused on alleged mid to upper level dealers who are distributing and selling illegal narcotics in the community. Moeller further stated that the investigation consists of undercover operations as well as proactive patrolling techniques executed by the Narcotics Division.
Moeller stated that on March 9, 2019, at approximately 10:47 a.m., detectives along with patrol officers executed a search warrant at a residence located at 803 South Beech Street, Picayune, in reference to the alleged discharging of firearms inside the city limits.
Upon making entry at the residence, the detectives located a loaded black Springfield XD 45 caliber handgun which contained an extended magazine, a loaded silver and black Jiminez 9mm handgun, a glass jar containing a green leafy substance believed to be Hydroponic Marijuana, a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be a Marijuana, several clear plastic bags containing a green leafy residue believed to be Hydroponic Marijuana, a set of digital scales containing a green leafy substance believed to be Hydroponic Marijuana, $625.00 in denominations of $20 and $5 bills of U.S. Currency in the bedroom of the residence.
The suspect at the residence located at 803 Beech Street, identified as Enoch Osibisi McDonald, Jr., age 20, was placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance While in Possession of a Firearm. He was then transported to the Criminal Justice Center where he was booked and incarcerated.
Also on March 9, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Assistant Chief Moeller said detectives went to 1219 Fern Drive, Picayune, where they came in contact with and arrested Joe Aaron McDonald, age 45, of the same address, for an outstanding warrant for Sale of Controlled Substance Within 1500 feet of a Church and Conspiracy to Sell a Controlled Substance within 1500 feet of a Church (Crack Cocaine- Schedule II Narcotic).
An additional suspect, identified as Ruby Smith McDonald, age 69, of the same address, was arrested for an outstanding warrant for two counts of Sale of a Controlled Substance within 1500 feet of a Church (Percocet—Schedule II Opioid) and two counts of Conspiracy to Sell a Controlled Substance within 1500 feet of a Church.
Moeller said both suspects were transported to the Criminal Justice Center where they were booked and incarcerated.
Moeller stated that Operation Crackdown is an ongoing operation and more arrests are forthcoming. He also said he would like to thank the narcotic detectives, the patrol officers, and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotic Division for their hard work in this operation, which a attempt to make the city a safer place to live.
Moeller added that if anyone in the community has information about someone allegedly selling, transporting, or distributing drugs, please notify detectives at 601-798-7411 or call Pearl River County Crimestoppers at 601-799-2583.
