Two Arrested By Middlesboro Police Regarding Drugs

From the Middlesboro Police Department -

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Middlesboro Police Lt. Barry Cowan made contact with two motorcycles at Life Church, just off KY 74. During the encounter, Lt. Cowan located a large quantity of methamphetamine and digital scales on 31-year-old Shawn Hatfield, of Middlesboro.

The second individual, 30-year-old Michael Payne, also of Middlesboro, was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine and two buprenorphine tablets. Further investigation revealed that Payne was wanted by Probation and Parole.

Lt. Cowan charged Hatfield with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Payne with Possession of a Controlled Substance, First Degree (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Controlled Substance, Second Degree, and served the outstanding warrant. Both men were lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

Today marks the second consecutive day the Middlesboro Police Department has taken a drug trafficker off the streets, continuing the department’s ongoing effort to curb illegal drug activity and keep the community safe.