A joint effort by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit and the Picayune Police Department netted three suspects in an alleged drug operation out of a local business.

According to a press release from the Sheriff’s Department the joint investigation resulted in the purchase of marijuana from Picayune Car Care, located in the city limits of Picayune. Sheriff’s Department Investigator Lt. Donnie Saucier said the same day buy bust operation undercover agents were able to purchase about a quarter pound of marijuana.

Undercover Sheriff Department agents then arrested three suspects after purchasing the marijuana from the business, the release states. Those suspects were identified as Shy Ann Slowley, 35, of Carriere, Tramel Aultmon, 28, of Picayune and Gerald W. Slowley, 43 of Carriere, the release states.

Shy Slowley was co-owner of the business, Sheriff David Allison said.

All suspects were charged with conspiracy to sell a controlled and dangerous substance, the release states.

A search of the business turned up an additional five bags also suspected to be marijuana, and more than $800 in currency. Saucier said a portion of the money used by undercover officers in the buy bust operation was found in the businesses’ cash drawer and the rest was found on Tramel Aultmon. Since some of the money used to purchase the controlled substance was found in the cash drawer an investigation into the financial records and assets of the business are under way, Saucier said.

“I’m glad to see our officers and Picayune officers working together to fight the drug problem in Pearl River County,” Allison said.

Allison said last week he and his staff me with Picayune Police Chief Jim Luke and his staff to continue to work more closely in such efforts.