Kentucky State Police Investigation Leads to a Drug Trafficking Arrest

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (July 18, 2025) – On the evening of July 17, 2025, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers, in conjunction with local law enforcement, conducted a drug investigation in Russell County, leading to the arrest of an individual for trafficking controlled substances with an approximate street value of $25,000.

KSP Troopers conducted a joint investigation with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) to attempt to locate a wanted male at a residence on Briar Patch Road in Russell County. Upon arrival in the area, Troopers observed an SUV parked with an open back hatch and several individuals standing around the vehicle. As the Troopers walked by the SUV, they smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The Troopers observed several bags of suspected marijuana as well as suspected methamphetamine in the back hatch area of the vehicle. Troopers located approximately 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 8 ounces of suspected marijuana. There was also a large sum of cash and drug paraphernalia located during the investigation. 

Buddy Bernard was arrested and lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.  He was charged with the following charges:

• Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, Methamphetamine
• Trafficking in Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Senior Trooper Blaine Sharp is investigating, and he was assisted at the scene by other KSP Post 15 Troopers and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office.

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