LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — A 59-year-old man is facing charges in connection with a drug and retail theft operation in southern Laurel County. Paul Tate was arrested Monday on drug trafficking charges. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Tate is accused of exchanging oxycodone for stolen items from local stores. During a search of his home and business, investigators recovered more than $80,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: drug operation, Drug Trafficking, Kentucky crime, Laurel County, Oxycodone, Paul Tate, retail theft, sheriff’s office, Stolen Items