Narcotics investigators arrested a couple of suspects on prescription drug related charges in two separate cases.
Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison said the first case began after the department received a number community complaints alleging 56-year-old Phillip “Tab” Lee of 997 Union School Road was illegally using and selling prescription medication.
Investigators saw him driving in Picayune and conducted a stop at the intersection of North Beech Street and Goodyear Boulevard on May 12, for careless driving.
During the stop, a search of his vehicle was conducted where investigators found him to be in possession of 113 oxycodone pills of one brand, and one oxycodone pill of another type, Allison said.
Digital scales were also found in the search. Lee was charged with trafficking of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.
Since Lee was on probation at the time of his arrest, a hold was placed on him with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, Allison said.
A separate case that took place on May 13 involved an alleged incident of prescription fraud. Allison said staff at a local pharmacy notified the department that they suspected a forged prescription of hydrocodone had been submitted. During the investigation, the narcotics investigators were able to determine the prescription was allegedly forged.
In response, narcotics investigators set up surveillance at the business, where they saw 49-year-old Michael K. Gower of 749 Whitechapel Rd., Carriere, arrived with several other people in the vehicle to pick up the prescription, Allison said.
Gower was taken into custody for prescription fraud, while investigators spoke with the other occupants in the vehicle to determine their involvement. Two females in the vehicle were released once it was determined there was no proof of their involvement in the crime.
The driver, 28-year-old Tyler Lee Smith of 122 Ruston Rd., Carriere was charged with no driver’s license. Allison said there was also no proof that Smith was involved in the crime.