Four arrested after Bradenton police find heroin, synthetic marijuana in search of home

BRADENTON -- Four Bradenton residents were arrested Tuesday after a search revealed drugs, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

Scott McDonald, 30; Debra Smith, 49; Debra Meneely, 30; and Raymond Henry, 50, were arrested after the Bradenton police narcotics unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of 17th Street West, with the assistance of the gang unit and SWAT Team.

"I can say we received several complaints about that house," said Bradenton Police Lt. James Racky about reputed illegal narcotics activity.

The investigation spanned three weeks, according to the release.

"All I can say is we were able to purchase narcotics from the inside of that residence," Racky said.

Narcotics unit officers reportedly found synthetic marijuana and heroin packaged for sale, as well as narcotics-related paraphernalia.

According to Racky, 1.4 grams of heroin and 8.9 grams of synthetic marijuana were found.

McDonald was charged with possession of heroin, synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Two warrants for his failure to pay child support had been issued, too.

Smith was charged with possession of heroin and synthetic marijuana with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Meneely was charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Henry was arrested on a local warrant for failure to pay child support.

According to the police report, McDonald was arrested in the far east bedroom with a bag containing synthetic marijuana, a synthetic marijuana cigarette, a metal spoon with powder residue and a syringe with a brown liquid inside.

McDonald said the synthetic marijuana and syringe with heroin were for personal use. He told police he has lived there only a few weeks, but knew narcotics were being sold from the residence, according to the report.

Meneely told police the syringe with the heroin found in her bedroom belonged to her and her boyfriend for personal use.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office website, McDonald is being held in Manatee County jail without bond. Smith was held in jail on bonds totaling $15,500; Meneely, $2,000.; and Henry, $640.

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter@AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 11:51 PM with the headline "Four arrested after Bradenton police find heroin, synthetic marijuana in search of home ."