DUNKIRK — An investigation over several months into narcotics sales involving Draonn Richardson-Copleland resulted in a search warrant being executed at 73 E. Front St. in the city of Dunkirk by members of the Dunkirk Police Department, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI Safe Streets.

Richardson-Copeland, 35, had been stopped in a vehicle prior to the search warrant on Lake Front Boulevard in Dunkirk. He was detained pending the warrant before noon Friday.

While in the back of a patrol car Richardson-Copeland attempted to destroy and discard evidence of drug possession. As a result of the search, investigators seized 2.89 grams of fentanyl, 2.18 grams of methamphetamine, 1.5 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded .380 pistol, scales and packaging material for the distribution of narcotics and $3261.00.

Richardson-Copeland was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, first-degree criminal nuisance, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with physical evidence. Richardson-Copeland was transported to the Dunkirk Police Department where he was to be arraigned in the City of Dunkirk Court.

Richardson-Copeland had previously been charged in a drug bust in July on 111 Dove St.

Authorities continue to ask members of the community to call and report suspicious or narcotics related activity within their neighborhoods. For the Dunkirk Police Department Tip line call 716-363-0313. For the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators Tip line call either 800-344-8702 or 716-664-2420.