SUNFLOWER COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Two men were arrested at a Mississippi airport for trafficking marijuana, authorities said.

Agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), with assistance from the Sunflower County Sheriff’s Office and the Winona Police Department K-9 Unit, arrested William Claren, 63, of California, and Mark Bailey, 66, of Mississippi, at the Ruleville-Drew Airport in Drew on July 29.

According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS), Claren and Bailey were both charged with trafficking marijuana and conspiracy after agents seized a large quantity of marijuana.

As part of the ongoing investigation, agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Drew, resulting in the additional seizure of bulk marijuana and U.S. currency.

Items seized from the airplane and residence:

• Seized cash amount of $295,495.00
• Approximately 247 pounds of marijuana
• Piper/Comanche fixed wing single engine airplane
• Taurus PT-22 caliber pistol
• Springfield Model 67VR Shotgun   

“This operation highlights the strong collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking,” said Sean Tindell, the commissioner of MDPS. “We remain committed to identifying and dismantling criminal networks that bring illegal drugs into our communities. I want to commend the agents and officers involved for their continued dedication to keeping Mississippi safe.”

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests and seizures are expected.