By Jeremy Pittari, Item Staff Writer
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — A team effort by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and the Picayune Police Department led to the arrest recently of two suspects.
The effort took place on March 6, when narcotics investigators with the Picayune Police Department called narcotics investigators with the Sheriff’s Department concerning suspected drug activity. That information pertained to the alleged selling of crack cocaine within the city limits, said Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier.
Investigators were provided information from a confidential informant alleging that a purchase of crack cocaine would involve Thomas Harper, 45, of 218, Abrams Ave. Investigators were directed to a home located at 16 Gateway Dr., whichis in the county, where the purchase allegedly would transpire, Saucier said.
A surveillance operation was set up near the home using investigators from both law enforcement agencies. After a sale of about $100 worth of the drug allegedly took place, Harper was arrested and charged with the sale of a controlled substance and possession of crack cocaine, Saucier said.
Based on the day’s incidents Picayune Police investigators were able to apply for and secure a search warrant for the home on Gateway Drive. In the search, investigators found what is believed to be a small amount crack cocaine. Saucier said that discovery led to the arrest of Robert Heath Jr., 32, who gave an address of 500 Pine St.
Heath was charged with possession of crack cocaine.
