Stoddard County synthetic drug investigation leads to Columbia, Mo., arrest

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A Columbia man was arrested Monday on drug-related felonies stemming from an ongoing Stoddard County investigation into the manufacturers of suspected designer drugs.

Kevin Earl Bay, 42, was arrested as state and federal authorities executed search warrants on his business and home, according to Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver, who was in Columbia for Monday's raids.

During Monday's searches, Oliver said, officers recovered documents and numerous pieces of other evidence.

There also was a "large amount of synthetic cannabinoids," synthetic drugs, seized, Oliver said. The drugs mimic the psychoactive effects of THC in marijuana.

The suspected synthetic drugs were found at Bay's home outside the Columbia city limits, said Oliver, who described Bay as having "cleared out the business."

Bay was booked at the Boone County Jail and released after posting a $250,000 cash bond.

Oliver said Bay is to appear Sept. 8 in Stoddard County for arraignment on the charges.

Bay and his company, Bocomo Spice Co. Inc., were charged earlier this month with the six felonies of delivery of an imitation controlled substance by Oliver and special assistant prosecuting attorney Paul Boyd.

Oliver said the charges were amended Friday and the two felonies of delivery of a controlled substance analog were added.