A Pineville woman is being held in the Laurel County Correctional Center as a federal prisoner in transition.

According to information released from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, deputies placed 61-year-old Ester Hatfield in custody Friday afternoon after she was located on Lewis Lane. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued an outstanding federal indictment warrant for drug-related activity.

Officials with the sheriff’s office states that after deputies had successfully located Hatfield and placed her under arrest, they received permission to search the residence. During the search, approximately 4 ounces of a clear crystal substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine that were packaged for distribution were located.

Deputies also allegedly located different sized plastic bags, glass pipes, additional types of drug paraphernalia and additional substances believed to be controlled drugs.

The DEA was notified of Hatfield’s apprehension and the investigation that included the drugs and drug paraphernalia. All items were turned over to the DEA to further assist in the prosecution and sentencing in the DEA’s ongoing case on Hatfield.

Hatfield was taken to the Bell County Detention Center but was later transferred to the Laurel County Correctional Center.