Franklin man charged following reported drug bust at residence

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A Franklin man is behind bars following a reported drug bust within Simpson County.

The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force states on Monday, drug task force agents conducted a search warrant at a residence on West Cedar Street in Franklin.

During this time, authorities say they located a marijuana grow operation of 25 plants, along with 14 pounds of marijuana, firearms, a large amount of cash, psilocybin and several items of paraphernalia.

Fifty-seven-year-old Michael Belcher of Franklin was arrested.

He faces charges of trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense (unspecified) prescription controlled substance not in proper container, trafficking marijuana (greater than 5 pounds, second offense (enhanced)), cultivating in marijuana (five plants or more), second or greater offense (enhanced)) second-degree possession of a controlled substance (hallucinogen), drug paraphernalia, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and third-degree possession of controlled substance (unspecified).

Assisting agencies included the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin police, the Kentucky State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.