Two arrested following undercover narcotics buy

BERNIE, Mo. - A controlled narcotics buy operation conducted by Bernie Police led to the arrest of a man suspected of selling drugs as well as a buyer.

On Sunday, Bernie Police sent a confidential informant to meet Billie Ray Sanders, 44, of Bernie to purchase methamphetamine. The confidential informant took Sanders to residence in the 400 block of East Crumb Avenue where he purchased methamphetamine from Gregory Gill, 50, of Bernie, in the yard of the residence.

A traffic stop was then conducted on the confidential informant's vehicle, where approximately a quarter of a gram of crystal methamphetamine was found on Sanders. Sanders was arrested and booked into the Bernie city jail without incident, authorities said in a news release.

Later in the evening the Bernie Police Department received a search warrant from Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver to search Gill's residence.

Authorities reported during the search of Gill's bedroom approximately 40 grams of crystal methamphetamine was found along with an active meth lab. Several glass pipes, straws used for smoking methamphetamine, a large bag of marijuana, several small bags of marijuana, small plastic bags, scales, a loaded pistol, a sawed-off shotgun and a rifle were also located in the room.

The marked money that was used to purchase methamphetamine was also recovered.

Gill was arrested and booked into the Bernie city jail. Charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, Gill's bond is set at $50,000 cash only.

Sanders is charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. His bond is set at $12,500, with 10 percent cash only.