Scott County drug busts lead to two arrests

BENTON, Mo. -- Two Scott County men were arrested on drug-related charges and charges against a third suspect are pending.

According to Sheriff Rick Walter, Scott County deputies served three search warrants in the past week resulting in the seizure of controlled substances.

Arrested were John D. Adams, 42, 706 Dearborn St., and Brian Palmer, 26, 702 Keeley St., both of Scott City.

Adams was arrested March 9 and later charged with possession of paraphernalia. During the search, Walter said, deputy Bobby Penrod seized pipes and other paraphernalia connected to the use of methamphetamine. Adams posted $10,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in court March 30.

Palmer was arrested March 13 and charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. Deputies along with Scott City police officers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and members of the SEMO Drug Task Force served a warrant on Palmer's residence and confiscated a quantity of marijuana. Palmer is free on $30,000 bond; his next court date is May 4.

On the same day the search warrant was served on Palmer, law enforcement officials also served another search warrant on an address in Scott City seizing paraphernalia used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, Walter said. Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd is expected to file charges on that suspect once he is taken into custody.

Walter said that the level of investigative activity, incidents and calls for service has increased dramatically since Jan. 1, numbering 780 so far this year, compared to 204 last year at the same time. The sheriff said he attributes the productivity to increased cooperation between agencies, more efficient allocation of deputy time and resources, and expanded areas of investigation. He said deputies are encouraged to take their own initiative more freely in investigating illegal activities.

"We have gone on the offensive at the Scott County Sheriff's Department," Walter said. "We are not content to merely respond to crimes after they have happened, but are dedicated to seeking out the criminal element and interdicting their criminal activities before they impact on the citizens of Scott County."