Laurel County Police Arrest Pair After Finding Heroin and Pills

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says Deputy Bobby Roberts was called out to old US 25 on a suspicious person complaint. Deputy Roberts arrived to find a man, later identified as 24-year-old Brandon Smith of Corbin, stumbling along the road. Smith then jumped into a passing car. Deputy Roberts pulled the vehicle over and found Smith in possession of suspected heroin and pills. Smith reportedly tried to hide the drugs in the vehicle. He was also determined to be under the influence and was wanted on an outstanding warrant. The driver of the vehicle, 44-year-old Nicholas Mandel of Barbourville, was determined to be under the influence and in possession of drug paraphernalia. Smith and Mandel were arrested and lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.