Steamboat Springs — After a six-month undercover investigation, local, regional and national drug enforcement officers arrested a Lakewood man and his wife Thursday on suspicion of distributing illegal drugs in Routt County.

Undersheriff Dan Taylor said Jimmy and Patricia Scantlin were apprehended by at least 10 law enforcement officers from the sheriff’s office’s tactical team, a regional drug task force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Intelligence from our investigations revealed they were transporting narcotics into Routt County,” Taylor said. Police impounded the couple’s Ford F250 because it was used in the commission of the alleged felonies.

The Scantlins were taken into custody just before noon in the parking lot of the Haymaker Golf Course, which is closed.

“The location was chosen to limit public exposure,” Taylor said.

Taylor said because of the investigation, officers thought Jimmy Scantlin, 51, might be carrying a weapon.

“Typically, we could have done a more low-key arrest, but given the possibility that Mr. Scantlin could be armed, we used the tactical unit,” Taylor said.

Taylor said Patricia Scantlin, 50, scraped her forehead in the arrest, but he said the couple was taken into custody without incident.

The Scantlins were arrested on suspicion of distributing cocaine and methamphetamine as well as conspiracy to distribute those drugs. Taylor said he expects more charges to be made against the couple. He also expects more arrests, possibly of local people.

— To reach Michelle Bales call 871-4208 or e-mail mbales@amigo.net