Distribution arrest made

Pictured are pills and pill bottles officers found while searching a Sikeston residence for illegal prescription drugs (Submitted Photo)

BENTON -- A Sikeston woman was arrested Thursday for distribution of a controlled substance.

Following a two-month investigation into the illegal sale of prescription medication, a search warrant was served at 408 Williams Street in Sikeston, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter.

The subject's name is being withheld pending the filing of formal charges for the distribution of Lorcet tablets, a controlled substance, Walter said Saturday. He said several other controlled medications were also taken into evidence during the search.

"We found hundreds of pills," Walter said.

The number of cases involving the illegal distribution and possession of prescription medications has nearly tripled in the past few months, Walter said. "It is a huge problem," he said. Walter added that he hopes other other law enforcement departments will follow his lead in addressing this problem.

Walter said additional arrests are expected to follow as a result of this investigation.