More arrests were made as part of the Picayune Police Department’s Operation Spring Cleaning.

According to a departmental release, on May 17 at about 3 p.m., Picayune Police Narcotics detectives were dispatched to a local business on Highway 43 South where they arrested James Busetto Penton, 32, 03 Roger Penton Road, Carriere for a warrant for conspiracy to sell a controlled substance (methamphetamine) within 1,500 feet of a church, the release states.

According to the release, on May 22, just after noon, Narcotics detectives proactively patrolling the city saw a red Ford Explorer on Bay Street near Palestine Road with a broken windshield, leading to a stop for improper equipment, the release states. When detectives approached the vehicle they asked the driver for a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, the release states. According to the release, the driver was identified as Rex Donald Moak, 57, 177 Koch Road, Picayune.

While speaking with Moak, detectives noticed a strong odor of what was suspected to be marijuana coming from the vehicle, the release states. During a search of Moak’s person, detectives found a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be hydroponic marijuana as well as a plastic bag with a crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine, the release states.

Moak was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle and improper equipment, the release states.

According to the release, after Moak was arrested, detectives conducted a search of the vehicle and found a butcher knife next to the front driver seat. A check of his record by detectives discovered that Moak had a prior conviction a convicted felon, leading to him being additionally arrested for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.