Five area residents were arrested and two have been formally charged after the serving of a search warrant last week in Pettis County.

According to the Pettis County Sheriff’s Department, on May 11, Pettis County deputies and the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 300 block of East Howard in reference to the distribution of methamphetamine.

Authorities say that approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, 22 ecstasy pills, a tar-like substance believed to be black-tar heroin, scales, baggies, and assorted paraphernalia were seized.

Taken into custody were Paula Hopkins and Cornell Staten and three other persons.

According to court documents, each is charged with a Class C Felony for Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and Hopkins also is facing a drug-related misdemeanor. Hopkins’ bond is set at $25,000 cash or surety; and Staten posted $10,000 surety bond on May 13.

Hopkins was formally arraigned on May 13, and her next hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25; while Staten’s initial appearance is set for 9 a.m. May 25 at Pettis County Circuit Court.