State police K-9 sniffs out large amount of methamphetamine during traffic stop in Whitley County

The Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations East Unit (DESI East) arrested a Rockcastle County man early Thursday morning near Corbin after locating approximately four ounces of methamphetamine in a lock box located in the trunk of his car.

Michael K. Barnes, 35, of Mt. Vernon was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – methamphetamine – greater than two gram, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon

Troopers located the drugs after KSP K-9 Tony alerted to their presence following the traffic stop on Interstate-75 near Corbin.

According to the arrest citation, Barnes was a passenger in the vehicle that was stopped at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Troopers initially arrested Barnes on an active warrant.

K-9 Tony was deployed and alerted on the vehicle, leading law enforcement to conduct a search during which they found the lock box in the trunk.

“(Barnes) had the key to the lock in his pocket,” officers stated noting they discovered approximately one-quarter of a pound (113.3 grams).

Upon further questioning, officers stated that Barnes admitted to having a firearm in the glove box.

“The above is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm,” officers stated.