Detectives with the Appalachia Narcotics Investigations (ANI) have charged local business owner, 47-year-old George Fisher, with first-degree promoting gambling, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and criminal syndicate of engaging in organized crime.

The charges stem from a lengthy investigation by Appalachia Narcotics Investigations, where Fisher is alleged to have used properties he owned as legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal gambling and drug trafficking.

Fisher is alleged to have knowingly profited from unlawful gambling activity by setting up and operating gambling devices. He is also alleged to have trafficked in a controlled substance by knowingly trafficking a schedule I or II narcotic. Finally, Fisher is alleged to have collaborated with three or more people to promote or engage in gambling and drug trafficking.

ANI worked closely with the Middlesboro Police Department in this investigation. According to the ANI, the communication and resources offered by MPD were invaluable. This case is ongoing and more arrests are forthcoming.

Fisher was served the charges at Bell County Detention Center where he is being held on previous charges of two counts of attempted murder, violation of an EPO/DVO and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Appalachia Narcotics Investigations is a multi-agency narcotics investigative unit consisting of detectives from the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, Bell County Sheriff’s Office, Pineville Police Department and the Kentucky State Police.