Nine people have been charged with drug trafficking offenses following a lengthy investigation by the Middlesboro Police Department.

MPD Drug Investigator Ryan Collins led the investigation, which was announced in a press release on Monday.

The arrests are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activity and protect the community from the dangers of narcotics.

“These arrests send a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Middlesboro,” Police Chief Petie Gilbert said. “We remain committed to holding those who distribute dangerous substances accountable and will continue working to keep our community safe.”

Those charged include:

• Jacob McCullough – Trafficking in Fentanyl
• Brittany Douglas – Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Aliesha Barnett – Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Amanda Hatfield Ray – Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Rhonda Seigler – Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Traffic Narcotics
• James Acelinger – Trafficking in Fentanyl
• Lori Elliott – Trafficking in Methamphetamine
• Joshua Berry – Five counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Two counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl
• Mikel Maxwell – Three counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Two counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl

They were all lodged in the Bell County Detention Center

As part of the investigation, MPD Detective Collins also executed a residential search warrant, leading to the seizure of nearly one pound of methamphetamine.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact MPD at 606-248-3636.