MADISONVILLE, Ky. – A routine traffic stop in Madisonville escalated into a major narcotics seizure after investigators discovered a significant quantity of drugs within close reach of an infant. Authorities say the stop was part of a months-long multi-agency investigation targeting drug trafficking activity across Hopkins County.
Incident Overview
Madisonville Police Department reported that 39-year-old Stacey Dillard of Hopkinsville and 38-year-old Destiny White of Madisonville were taken into custody on Monday after officers found methamphetamine and fentanyl during a coordinated traffic stop. Police say the drugs were located in the backseat of the vehicle—alarmingly close to an infant who was also inside the car.
The investigation, which began in September, involved the Madisonville-Hopkins County Vice-Narcotics Unit, Kentucky State Police, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Paducah Post of Duty. According to officials, the operation led to the seizure of a large amount of crystal methamphetamine even before the traffic stop occurred.
Timeline of Events
Authorities say the turning point in the case occurred on November 24, when investigators conducted a traffic stop at a gas station located at 2250 Anton Road in Madisonville. During the stop, police say they identified the vehicle’s occupants as Dillard and White, along with an infant who appeared to be in the backseat.
Investigators say they immediately noticed indicators of ongoing drug activity, prompting a more thorough search of the vehicle. What they found next raised serious concerns for the welfare of the child.
Drugs Found Near Infant
According to the Madisonville Police Department, officers seized approximately 1 pound of crystal methamphetamine from the vehicle’s backseat. Officials say the drugs were positioned about 18 inches from the infant…