Pike County Man Arrested After Police Seize Large Quantities of Drugs, Guns, and Cash
HARDY, Ky. — A Pike County man has been arrested on multiple drug trafficking charges after Kentucky State Police seized a large amount of drugs, firearms, and cash during a search of a home in the Hardy community.
Drugs, Firearms, and Cash Seized
According to KSP, troopers arrested 35-year-old James Hardesty after a raid uncovered:
- 23.5 pounds of marijuana
- 192 grams of fentanyl
- Six ounces of psilocybin mushrooms
- 35 bottles of 300mg liquid THC
- 2,162 THC edible dosage units
Authorities also confiscated drug paraphernalia, 22 firearms, and about $1,500 in cash during the operation.
Charges Filed Against Suspect
Hardesty faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree (fentanyl)
- Trafficking in a controlled substance, 2nd degree (hallucinogen)
- Trafficking in marijuana
- Trafficking in a legend drug (1st offense)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
He was taken into custody and booked following the search.
Community Concerns
The large-scale bust highlights ongoing drug trafficking concerns in Eastern Kentucky, where authorities say fentanyl in particular continues to pose a deadly risk to communities.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that this case underscores their commitment to reducing drug-related crime and keeping dangerous substances off the streets.
The arrest of James Hardesty marks one of the more significant recent drug seizures in Pike County. For more updates on Kentucky crime and law enforcement efforts, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.