Eight arrested in drug bust

Eight people were arrested Thursday in a drug bust at an Independence apartment complex.

The arrests were the result of a three-month joint investigation into narcotics trafficking by the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force and the Independence Police Department.

The suspects were arrested at the Taylor Ridge Apartments on Regal Ridge Drive.

Randy L. Luster, 22, of Latonia Lakes, is charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (heroin).

James D. Soult, 19, of Independence, is charged with two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (heroin).

Anthony M. Stanfield, 25, of Independence, is charged with two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (crack cocaine).

Tiffany R. Haggard, 19, of Independence, is charged with two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Oxycontin).

Barbara M. Lauderman, 42, of Independence, is charged with one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Oxycontin).

George E. Casey, 29, of Independence, is charged with one count of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Vicodin).

Demetrius L. Simpson, 44, of Independence, is charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Vicodin).

Jennifer R. Slusher, 35, of Independence, is charged with one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

First-degree trafficking in controlled substance is a Class C Felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Second-degree trafficking is a Class D Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.