SALYERSVILLE – A Magoffin County resident has been charged with drug trafficking following an undercover investigation by Operation UNITE.

Darrell B. Patrick, age 46, of Old U.S. Highway 460, Salyersville, was arrested at his home shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 27.

UNITE detectives were assisted by Magoffin Sheriff Randall Jordan and a sheriff’s deputy.

Patrick, a teacher at North Magoffin Elementary School, faces six counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Oxycodone).

The drug buys took place between August and October, said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE.

“Each of the illegal sales occurred at Mr. Patrick’s residence,” Smoot said. “At this time we have no reason to believe that he sold drugs on school grounds or to any children.”

Last Friday UNITE detectives served a search warrant for Patrick’s home as part of their three-month investigation. Although items were seized, Smoot said no information would be released about the search at this time.

Additional charges are pending presentation of evidence to the Magoffin County Grand Jury.

Patrick was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.