An investigation into narcotics trafficking in Madisonville led to the arrest of a Providence man who was reportedly found in possession of a large amount of meth, synthetic marijuana and a loaded gun inside his hotel room.
At the start of this year, the Madisonville-Hopkins County VICE/Narcotics Unit began to receive reports concerning illicit narcotic trafficking by 35-year old Chase Copeland. In the course of the investigation, detectives allegedly conducted several controlled purchases of significant amounts of suspected methamphetamine from Copeland.
Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Wednesday when they saw Copeland leaving the Baymont Inn on Lantaff Boulevard in Madisonville, and upon searching his vehicle, reportedly found a large quantity of drugs. A search warrant was then granted for his hotel room, and detectives allegedly discovered a “very large quantity” of suspected methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia including scales, a pipe and baggies. Detectives said they also found a loaded handgun.
Authorities say Copeland’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions.
Copeland was lodged at the Hopkins County Detention Center on charges of illegal possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking pills, trafficking synthetic drugs, and using restricted ammunition without discharging a firearm. Additionally, the drug trafficking charges have a firearm enhancement.
