3 arrested in drug trafficking investigation in Pulaski County

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. – Three people are facing drug charges in connection with an ongoing investigation in Pulaski County.

According to Sheriff Bobby Jones with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, since last month, detectives with the sheriff’s office’s Narcotics Division were investigating suspected drug trafficking.

Authorities say on Sept. 5, a vehicle was speeding and swerving on Kentucky Highway 934.

According to authorities, they attempted to stop the vehicle, however, it continued traveling, leading to a pursuit.

Authorities say during this time, the vehicle traveled from Kentucky Highway 934 onto Kentucky Highway 39. The sheriff’s office says spike strips were successfully deployed at the intersection of Kentucky Highway 39 and Kentucky Highway 452.

Deputies say the vehicle continued on Kentucky Highway 39, with a black object being thrown from the passenger side of the car.

A short time later, authorities say the vehicle stopped.

The driver was identified as 26-year-old Joshua Samples, along with passengers 33-year-old Jerica Cline and 38-year-old Jacob Wallace. All three were taken into custody.

Following the pursuit, authorities say they learned narcotics had been thrown from the vehicle.

During a search for the narcotics, authorities say they found a defaced handgun but were unable to find anything further.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, deputies say they returned to the area to search again, locating around five ounces of suspected methamphetamine, along with suspected drug paraphernalia.

Samples has been charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), reckless driving, speeding 26 miles per hour or greater over the speed limit, disregarding a stop sign, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of a defaced firearm, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (methamphetamine, greater than or equal to 2 grams) and drug paraphernalia – buy/possess.

Cline and Wallace face charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of a defaced firearm, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, greater than or equal to 2 grams, and drug paraphernalia – buy/possess.

All three individuals were transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center.