The Middlesboro Police Department arrested nine individuals on drug charges over the past few weeks as a result of a several-month long investigation. A good number of the investigations were conducted in response to complaints of drug activity from citizens.

The following individuals have been arrested to date:

• William “Flip” North, of Pineville, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• Ely W. Hembree, of Middlesboro, six counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and one count second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• Clifford C. Williams, of Middlesboro, two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• Billy R. Hughett, of Middlesboro, two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• Charles T. Gilbert, of New Tazewell, Tenn., two counts of trafficking a controlled substance;

• Christopher M. Shackelford, of Middlesboro, first- and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

• David E. Strunk, of Middlesboro, two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and one count engaging in organized crime;

• Latoya Collier, of Middlesboro, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and engaging in organized crime;

• Henry F. Barnes, of Middlesboro, two counts first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

The Appalachia Narcotics Investigations Task Force assisted the Middlesboro Police Department in their efforts.