Man arrested in Russell County drug trafficking investigation

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. – One man is in custody following a drug trafficking investigation in Russell County.

According to the Kentucky State Police, troopers and local law enforcement in Russell County conducted a drug investigation on Thursday night.

Authorities say this resulted in the arrest of 38-year-old Buddy Bernard of Russell Springs. Troopers say Bernard had trafficked controlled substances with a street value of around $25,000.

Troopers say they conducted a joint investigation with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office to try to locate a wanted man on Briar Patch Road.

Upon arrival, authorities say they saw an SUV parked with an open back hatch and several individuals standing near the vehicle.

Troopers say when they walked near the vehicle, they could smell the odor of marijuana and could see several bags of suspected marijuana and suspected methamphetamine.

During a vehicle search, troopers say they found around 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 8 ounces of suspected marijuana. Authorities say they also found a large sum of cash and drug paraphernalia through the investigation.

Bernard was arrested and transported to the Russell County Detention Center on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), trafficking in marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation is ongoing.