Multiple law-enforcement agencies came together to serve warrant
Published 7:00 am Tuesday, May 22, 2018
According to a release from the Picayune Police Department, on May 14 just after 7 p.m., the Picayune Police Narcotics Division, Picayune Police Patrol Division, Pearl River County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Division and a K-9 Unit worked together to serve a search warrant. The warrant was in regard to community complaints that narcotics were allegedly being sold and distributed from 203 Cottonwood St., Picayune, the release states.
While serving the warrant, detectives found the suspect standing in the front yard. According to the release, the suspect was identified as Devin Ketchens, 37, 203 Cottonwood St., Picayune. Ketchens was detained without incident.
Once law enforcement officials entered the house, they found a pile of a green leafy substance, which was believed to be marijuana, and a number of plastic bags of various sizes filled with the substance on a desk in a home-built recording studio, the release states. In a trashcan next to the desk, detectives also found what they believed to be more marijuana rolled up in several brown, hand rolled cigars.
Detectives also found a black scale elsewhere in the home with what they believed to be more marijuana along with several more plastic bags on the kitchen counter. The release states that the presence of scales and plastic bags is consistent with narcotics distribution.
On a bed in the master bedroom, detectives found a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun with four loaded magazines, the release states. Detectives seized the gun and ammunition due to being in close proximity to the narcotics, the release states.
According to the release, Ketchens was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute while in possession of a firearm.