Laurel County man sentenced following drug arrest

LONDON, Ky. – A Laurel County man faces nearly two decades in prison on drug charges.

The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Kentucky says 47-year-old Jimmy Barrett of London was sentenced Wednesday to 220 months in prison.

According to a uniform citation, Barrett was involved in a vehicle pursuit that resulted in a K-9 detecting illegal drugs in September 2024.

The Kentucky State Police says during that vehicle search, it found around 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 30 grams of cocaine, 26 grams of fentanyl and 56 grams of marijuana.

While being interviewed at KSP Post 11, authorities say Barrett made statements that confirmed he had trafficked methamphetamine in Laurel County.

Barrett remains at the Laurel County Detention Center on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (greater than or equal to 2 grams of methamphetamine), first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense (cocaine), trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives) and trafficking in marijauana.