Area Task Force investigations lead to 6 drug-related arrests

Six area residents were arrested on drug related charges late last week, following investigations at Steele, Mo., and Malden, Mo.

According to Steele, Mo., Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield, on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, the Steele Police Department, along with members of the Bootheel Drug Task Force, Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department, and the Division of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), executed a search warrant on Bellvue Street at Steele.

Upon securing the residence, officers conducted a search of the premises, during which they discovered drug paraphernalia and a small amount of white powdery substance, believed to be cocaine.

Steele officers then arrested a 51-year-old Steele man on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Pemiscot County Jail. The suspect's name is being withheld pending the filing of formal charges by the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

According to the Malden, Mo., Police Department, on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, Malden officers conducted a joint investigation with members of the SEMO Drug Task Force and Missouri State Highway Patrol.

As a result of the investigation, officers arrested Malden residents James Cantrell and Bobby Cantrell on the charges of manufacturing a controlled substance.

Both men were transported to the Dunklin County Justice Center, each being held on a $75,000 cash only bond.

In a separate incident during the investigation, officers arrested Stevan L. Thompson, Stevan S. Thompson, and Katie Kelley, all of Paragould, Ark., on the charges of attempt to manufacture a controlled substance.

The three individuals were transported to the Dunklin County Justice Center, each being held on a $75,000 cash only bond.