Picayune narcotics detectives recently arrested three more people on drug related charges as part of the Picayune Police Department’s ongoing investigation dubbed Operation: Who’s Next?

After conducting a yearlong investigation focusing on alleged drug activity in Picayune, detectives have arrested a total of 25 suspects who are facing drug related charges and police say more arrests are coming.

On Nov. 19 at 1:56 p.m., detectives went to 123 Clark St. to speak with 39-year-old James Irwin in reference to a case they were working on, Magri said. Upon arrival, officers met with Irwin on the front porch and while speaking with him they could smell a strong odor of what they believed to be marijuana coming from inside the residence, Magri said.

At that time, officers conducted a search of the home after receiving signed consent. They discovered 12 small plastic bags and two large plastic bags both containing a green leafy substance believed to be synthetic marijuana, Magri said. They also located 18 white pills identified as Norco, which is a schedule II narcotic and a set of black digital scales. All items located were found under a mattress located on the floor in the living room, Magri said.

Detectives also located three counterfeit $20 bills sitting on a table in the living room, Magri said.

While transporting Irwin to the Criminal Justice Center, officers observed him attempt to swallow something. At that time, officers observed a large amount of a crystallized substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine laying on the backseat of the patrol unit. It’s believed that Irwin concealed the methamphetamine on his person, and it wasn’t discovered during the initial pat down, Magri said.

Officers recovered the methamphetamine, Magri said.

Irwin was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute within 1,500 feet of a school or church, tampering with physical evidence and felony possession of a controlled substance, Magri said.

In another case, on Nov. 19 at 8:43 p.m., detectives arrested 29-year-old Beatrice Hart of 309 South Monroe Ave. on an outstanding warrant for conspiracy to sell a controlled substance, Magri said.

In an unrelated case, on Nov. 24, at 10:32 a.m., detectives received information that a male suspect identified as 36-year-old Albert Loftin of 823 Bass Burkett Road of Bassfield, Mississippi, allegedly brought in drugs from Bassfield to Picayune and was located at 1500 7^th Ave. Apt. C2. Upon their arrival, detectives observed in plain view a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana laying on the front seat of a yellow Crown Victoria parked in the driveway of the apartment, Magri said. Through investigation, it was learned that was the vehicle Loftin had driven from Bassfield, Magri said.

When detectives made contact with the resident, she let them enter the apartment and that’s when they observed Loftin sitting on the couch in the living room. At that time, detectives secured a search warrant and upon searching the apartment, they located a sweater on the couch that Loftin had been sitting on containing approximately two ounces of crystal methamphetamine inside a pocket, Magri said.

They also located two plastic bags containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Loftin was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. A hold was placed on Loftin by the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a probation violation, Magri said.

“This is part of an ongoing investigation and there are still numerous warrants out for people wanted,” Magri said.