A man arrested Thursday on drug trafficking charges was arrested on similar charges last month in Lauderdale County.

Investigators with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office stopped a silver Mazda on Fort Hampton Road because they believed the driver, 47-year-old David Matthew Pugh of 11679 Neely Road, Athens, had an outstanding probation violation warrant.

Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Stephen Young said the two investigators, Jamie King and Anthony Bruno, noticed paraphernalia in Pugh’s car and conducted a search. The search yielded 2 ounces of ice methamphetamine, eight hydrocodone pills, one Alprazolam pill and $263 in cash.

Young said the estimated street value of the drugs is $1,800. According to state law, possession of an ounce or more of methamphetamine constitutes drug trafficking.

Pugh was subsequently charged with drug trafficking, unlawful attempt to purchase precursors and probation violation.

He remained in the Limestone County Jail Friday with no bond set.

Previous arrest

On July 14, Pugh and 25-year-old Heather Nicole Legg of 25740 Salem Minor Hill Road, Lester, were arrested on drug trafficking charges at Joe Wheeler State Park in Lauderdale County. Acting on a tip of suspicious activity, Park Superintendent Chad Davis made contact with Pugh and Legg, who were staying in a camper on park property.

“They had been here for a couple of days,” Davis said.

A subsequent search of the camper by the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force yielded about 17 ounces of ice methamphetamine, marijuana and oxycodone. Pugh and Legg were charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and second-degree possession of marijuana. Legg was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after syringes were found.

Davis wanted to stress drug activity is not a normal occurrence at Joe Wheeler State Park. He said the park’s rangers work diligently to protect guests and the park’s natural resources.

“Our main objective is to keep this a family-friendly environment,” Davis said.

A bond of $28,500 each was set on Pugh and Legg. Pugh bonded out the same day, while Legg remains in the Lauderdale County Jail.

Legg was arrested on similar charges in September. Young told The News Courier she attempted to flee an alleged drug transaction after noticing several law enforcement vehicles. A search of her SUV netted 8.5 ounces of ice methamphetamine with a street value of $9,000. She is set to go to trial on that charge Aug. 21.