The Middlesboro Police Department began serving warrants this week resulting from a long-term drug trafficking investigation. Sgt. Joe Holder has charged 14 people on 21 counts of trafficking in controlled substances from Nov. 27-29. Of those arrested, 10 were served in the Bell County Jail where they were lodged on other charges, two were arrested in the city and deputies in Grayson and Pike County facilities served two for Holder.

Holder brought all charges as a result of an investigation spanning several months. Of the 21 trafficking charges, 19 involved methamphetamine. The other two were for Suboxone and clonazepam.

A patrol arrest on the Nov. 15 led to the seizure of over a quarter pound of meth along with various prescription drugs. MPD Officer Nick Capps arrested Jordan Partin, 25, and Heath Garren, 45, both of Middlesboro, after a traffic stop on US 25E during which he seized the methamphetamine along with marijuana, eight gabapentin pills, eight clonazepam, seven alprazolam, three 30 mg oxycodone pills and an unidentified white powder.

Partin was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first-degree possession of a controlled substance (oxycodone) and possession of marijuana.

Garren was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), third-degree possession, DUI, and operating on a suspended license.

In other police news,

• James D. Smith, James L. Hembree, Ricky D. Davis, Cleston A. Miracle and Willie G. Flanary were arrested on Nov. 27. They were each charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• Brandon S. McCarty was arrested on Nov. 27 on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• Russel R. Davenport was arrested on Nov. 27 for first- and third- degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• Joshua R. Mullins, Michael D. Houston and Gary I. Baker were arrested on Nov. 27. They were each charged with two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

• Christophere R. Cunningham was arrested on Nov. 27 for three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

• Chase Naff, of Pike County, and Jamie Ayers, of Grayson County, were arrested on Nov. 28 for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance.

• James M. McClellan was arrested on Nov. 29 for second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

The Middlesboro Police Department actively investigates drug trafficking and many cases are initiated using undercover buys and similar tactics. Additionally, patrol officers pursue drug cases both during routine traffic enforcement and using interdiction strategies.