CENTRALIA — A 30-year-old Centralia man has been arrested in connection with a covert investigation by the Centralia police into the street trafficking of drugs in the area.

According to Centralia Police Chief Geg Dodson, Donald R. Hemmings was taken into custody Monday in connection with the investigation that stemmed from complaints received by the Centralia Police Department, along with information developed of drug trafficking by a specific individual.

Investigators set up covertly and witnessed a hand to hand drug transaction take place in public view and initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle after the transaction was completed.

Hemmings was taken into custody as a result of the traffic stop. At this time it was determined that Hemmings had just sold the highly dangerous drug, Fentanyl.

He was formally charged Tuesday in Marion County Court with Class 2 felony distribution of a controlled substance. He’s scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to be advised on the charge and for bail to be set.

Hemmings had previously been arrested by the Centralia Police Department on July 2nd and charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver when he was found in possession of 11.2 grams of methamphetamine.

Dodson says public trafficking of illicit drugs is a high priority for the Centralia Police Department as these transactions diminish the sense of public safety felt by the community when these types of crimes are committed flagrantly, in plain view of the public.