On Jan. 23, Appalachia Narcotics Investigations officials executed an arrest warrant and search warrant in the Cawood. The person arrested was Bethel Stewart Jr., 57, of Cawood.

This arrest and search come after several months of investigation into the trafficking of suspected cocaine, heroin and other illegal narcotics in the area.

Stewart is being charged with four counts first-degree trafficking controlled substance (cocaine and heroin), trafficking controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school and other felony offenses. As the investigation continues, more charges are possible.

Assisting ANI were deputies of the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office K-9 division and troopers with Kentucky State Police, Post 10.

ANI 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.