(PADUCAH, Ky.) — A 64-year-old Paducah man with an extensive drug trafficking history was arrested Tuesday after McCracken County Sheriff’s Office detectives spent weeks building a case against him for allegedly dealing crystal methamphetamine.
Larry L. Hughes was taken into custody March 25 at a residence on North 22nd Street, where investigators say they had already conducted multiple undercover drug buys from him in the weeks leading up to the arrest.
The investigation began roughly two weeks before Hughes’ arrest, when detectives received a tip that someone in the area was distributing crystal meth. Hughes was identified as the suspect, and detectives moved quickly to set up a series of controlled purchases that formed the backbone of the case against him.
On the day of the arrest, detectives were assisted by the Paducah Police Department in taking Hughes into custody on outstanding drug trafficking warrants. A subsequent search of the residence turned up additional evidence investigators say is consistent with drug trafficking activity.
Hughes faces three counts of trafficking in methamphetamine — each charged as a second or subsequent offense, reflecting his prior convictions on similar charges — along with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was already out on bond for separate drug-related offenses at the time of his arrest.
He was booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in the area can contact the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office at 270-444-4719 or submit an anonymous tip to West Kentucky Crime Stoppers by calling 270-443-TELL.
