A Utica man was arrested on drug-related charges Thursday as part of an investigation. The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Special Investigations Unit (SIU), DCSO Patrol Division, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Drug Enforcement Special Investigations, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force executed a search warrant at the home of Joseph Kyle VanVactor in
the 11600 Block of US 431 in Utica as part of narcotics trafficking investigation. VanVactor was developed as a suspect by DCSO SIU detectives based off information received by the community. During the search warrant, detectives located evidence of a psilocybin mushroom growing operation. Approximately 3 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms as well as psilocybin mushroom growing paraphernalia, marijuana, digital scales, vacuumsealing equipment, and other items were seized by investigators. Three handguns, 2 rifles and a 12-gauge shotgun were also located. During the search of the residence, detectives discovered a hidden room located behind a bookshelf which contained the illegal growing operation. Because the grow operation exposed law enforcement to dangerous chemicals the KSP Hazardous Material Team responded to safely dismantle the operation.
All evidence was logged in to property at KSP due to the hazardous nature of many of the components. VanVactor was arrested and taken to the Daviess County Detention Center.
