Early Morning Raid in Palestine Nabs Two on Drug Charges

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

PALESTINE – An early morning raid on Thursday, May 30 by the Palestine Police Department resulted in the arrest of two Palestine residents on drug charges.

Aaron Johnson, 38, and Kandice Asberry, 25 were taken into custody after PPD investigators and the department’s S.W.A.T. team executed a narcotics search warrant at 904 S. Magnolia.

“Upon entering the residence, Officers located the two known suspects within the residence. Officers also located a child under one year old inside of the residence,” according to  a PPD media release.

While searching the residence, law enforcement officials discovered “… approximately seven grams of suspected cocaine, an undetermined amount of liquid PCP, digital scales, plastic baggies and approximately $600 in cash,” the press release stated.

The press release further stated, “Child Protective Services arrived on scene and took possession of the child after the narcotics were located inside of the residence. Officers also found extreme unclean conditions inside of the residence, with rodents nesting inside of furniture and piles of clothing.”

Asberry and Johnson were transported to the Anderson County Jail where they were booked into custody of charges of the manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, penalty group 1, greater than or equal to four grams but less than 200 grams. They were also charged with abandoning/endangering a child.

The investigation into drug trafficking at the residence stemmed from citizen complaints about activities at the location.

“This was a case where vigilant citizens reported suspicious activity and we were able to tie it to drug trafficking. The investigators did a great job shutting down this drug dealer,” PPD Asst. Chief Mark Harcrow said.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].