Drug Task Force busts 14 in Marengo and Sumter operation

On May 1, the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force and ABC Board conducted a joint drug operation in Marengo and Sumter counties. Assisting agencies included Alabama Rural Crimes Task Force, Thomaston Police Department, Demopolis Police Department, University of West Alabama Police Department and York Police Department.

In Sumter County, three arrests were made with a total of seven charges of Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and one charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Approximately 89 Xanax were seized.

In Marengo County, 11 people were arrested with a total of 12 charges of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance, four charges of Possession of Marijuana II, one charge of Disorderly Conduct, one charge of Public Intoxication and one charge of Resisting Arrest. Also seized were 36.6 grams of crack, 12 grams of marijuana, one handgun and one vehicle. Approximately 13.5 grams of crack was recovered from the bushes near Kutz Barber Shop.

Clint Sumlin, Commander of the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force said these arrests are the culmination of a six-month investigation. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Sumlin would like to express his gratitude to the ABC Board for their special assistance during these investigations. He would also like to give a special thanks to Demopolis Police Department for their assistance in investigations in Demopolis. Sumlin would also like to thank UWA Police Department, Linden Police Department and Thomaston Police Department who have assigned officers to the Drug Task Force.

In 2014 the Drug Task Force has made 65 cases and seized approximately 250 grams crack, 71.2 grams of cocaine, 67.6 pounds of marijuana , numerous guns and vehicles. The Drug Task Force has seized over $340,000 in cash in 2014 from drug dealers for a total of $1.4 million since the Task Force began in 2011.

The Drug Task Force was started in 2011 by District Attorney Greg Griggers to assist local law enforcement in combating drugs in Greene, Marengo and Sumter counties.