Published: August 26, 2009 11:26 am      

Dealings Done Wrong

Nine arrested in early morning drug bust

London police expect more arrests to follow.

By Carl Keith Greene/Staff Writer

London’s police department took nine alleged drug traffickers off the street Monday and has several more in its sights.

The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation of drug trafficking by Lt. Stewart Walker and Detective Jimmy Phelps.

Monday’s nine arrests of London residents accounted for four alleged dealers in oxycodone, two alleged Suboxone dealers, two allegedly selling Methadone and a single alleged hydrocodone salesperson.

Oxycodone and hydrocodone are used medically for control of moderate to severe pain. They are habit forming and often abused.

Suboxone and methadone are used as substitute drugs to assist in weaning narcotic abusers from their addictions.

Suboxone is the newer of the two and is seen as an alternate to methadone. Unlike methadone, Suboxone has what is called a ceiling effect that limits the effect of higher doses on a user.

Alleged oxycodone dealers charged were Freddie R. Gray, 70, of Slate Lick Road; Johnny Osborne, 58, of White Oak Road, Carla Jo Chaney, 47, of Foister Heights and Jacob Plummer, 25, of Foister Heights.

All were charged with first-degree trafficking in controlled substances and all were jailed under a $10,000 bond each.

Charged with second-degree trafficking in controlled substances were James F. Tankersley, 32, and Jessica Tankersley, 28, both of Lily Road. They were reportedly found with Suboxone.

They were jailed under a $10,000 bond each.

Allegedly selling methadone were Brandy C. Nantz, 30, of Moren Town Road and Jay M. Bruner, 36, of Reams Lane. They were accused of first-degree trafficking in controlled substances, and jailed under $10,000 bonds each.

Amie O. Higginbotham, 34, of Morgan Street, was charged with second degree trafficking in hydrocodone, a controlled substance, and was jailed under a $2,500 bond.

London police have more arrest warrants waiting for other alleged drug dealers, Walker said.

Assisting in Monday’s arrests were Lt. Derek House, Sgts. Kenny Jones, Daryl Kilburn and Gary Proffitt and Patrolmen Randy Medlock, Shannon Morgan, Travis Couch and Bryon Lawson.