Search Warrant Leads To Drug Seizure At Store
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Drugs seized last Wednesday including marijuana and khat have been sent to the crime lab in Batesville for analysis.
WATER VALLEY – The Water Valley Police Department seized a large amount of narcotics from a Central Street business Wednesday morning, Jan. after executing a search warrant.
Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum reported an estimated 60 pounds of alleged khat, a level one controlled substance, 235 grams of alleged marijuana, 407 THC vapes and 25 packs of THC gummies were confiscated from Central Street Food Mart located at 1207 Central St. The narcotics were transported to the crime lab in Batesville Wednesday afternoon. Charges are pending lab results for confirmation of the substances and weight.
The warrant was executed around 6 a.m. after officers responded to an earlier call at a residence behind the business. Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the store during the earlier call. A search warrant was obtained, based on the officers’ reports and earlier complaints about alleged activity at the business.
“We already had an open investigation at this location based on information we had received,” Mangrum explained.
Mangrum said this is the first time his department has encountered khat in the city.
“Khat has been a level one controlled substance since 1993, so it not new. But it is not common in our area,” he explained.
The narcotics were found in a back room and not on the sales floor. A handgun and rifle magazines discovered in close proximity to the drugs were seized. The store was shut down for approximately four hours during the investigation.
Mangrum said off-duty officers from his department were called in to assist.
“The officers did a great job executing the search warrant and investigating this case,” Mangrum said.
Other activity reported by the chief include an arrest for shoplifting. Bernard White was arrested Monday by deputies after a warrant was issued in the city for White. He allegedly stole a bottle of tequila from Main Street Liquor at 333 South Main Street on January 7.
“The county arrested him after a foot chase and brief struggle. They also have pending charges. We appreciate their assistance,” Mangrum reported.
A second shoplifting charge against White at another liquor store in Water Valley was dropped by the store owner after he made restitution.
