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Drug busts net coke and cash

By BEN NELMS
bnelms@TheCitizenNews.com

A May 12 drug seizure in Palmetto, a second seizure the same day along I-85 in Fairburn and a third Wednesday morning at the same expressway location netted a cache of 125 pounds of suspected marijuana and one-half kilogram of powered cocaine with a retail street value estimated between $363,000-470,000.

Arrested in the first incident May 12 and charged with trafficking in marijuana were 26 year-old Palmetto resident Monique Yvette Alexander and 34 year-old Riverdale, California resident Christian Davis, according to Tri-Cities Narcotics Task Force Capt. J. H. Midkiff.

The arrests occurred shortly after 3 p.m. after agents intercepted a package containing 45 pounds of suspected marijuana destined for delivery to a Short Street address in Palmetto, said Midkiff. Agents discovered the contents of the box during a package interdiction procedure conducted in the Tri-Cities area, he said. Inside the box agents found the suspected marijuana inside two compressed bundles secured with blue plastic wrap. After verification of the contents and a search warrant was secured, agents repackaged the contents, Midkiff said, and the package was then delivered to the Palmetto address.

Alexander accepted the package and apparently contacted Davis, Midkiff said, who subsequently arrived at the address. Davis entered the address and exited moments later, carrying a small box that he put into the trunk of his vehicle. Davis ran back inside the residence after spotting officers near the scene. Officers entered the residence, executed the search warrant and arrested both individuals. Alexander and Davis were both charged with trafficking in marijuana, Midkiff said. The retail street value was estimated at $98,000-125,000, he added. Midkiff said the package had been mailed from a Tucson, Arizona address.

Ti-Cities agents and Palmetto Police participated in the seizure and arrests. Palmetto Police Chief Bobby Fronebarger responded to the arrests, citing the joint agency effort and the ongoing commitment to eradicate drugs within the city.

“I am pleased with the manner in which the operation was conducted. I applaud the drug team and Palmetto Police for services rendered,” Fronebarger said. “Obviously, the confiscation and arrests interrupted drug sales within the city of Palmetto. I hope future operations likewise prove fruitful. I am, with the support of the mayor and council and citizens, committed to continue systematically to work to identify, investigate and eradicate the sale of narcotics in the city.”

“Drug issues, as with many other issues facing local governments, is not just a police problem and should be a joint community venture to improve the overall well being of any city. A neighborhood resident should be able to enjoy and appreciate where they live and not have to contend with criminal ‘scum’ that works to demoralize their community.”

The second seizure occurred at hours later at 5:45 p.m., when Tri-Cities agents were contacted by Georgia State Patrol Senior Trooper D. R. Fabian in reference to a traffic stop on I-85 near the Ga. Highway 74 exit in Fairburn. Dontavia “Big Man” Barrow, 25, of Brundridge, Alabama, was subsequently charged with trafficking in marijuana and powdered cocaine, Midkiff said.

The trooper stopped Barrow for speeding and asked for his driver’s license, according to Midkiff. Barrow was asked to exit the vehicle when he could not produce the license. As he exited, the trooper noticed packaging material consistent with material used for transporting narcotics in plain view, partially exposed from under the driver’s seat, said Midkiff. The trooper searched Barrow and found a large bag of suspected marijuana and $2,299 in cash in the man’s pants pockets, Midkiff said. A search under the driver’s seat revealed what was later confirmed through a field test as one-half kilogram of powered cocaine and, in the trunk, 20 pounds of suspected marijuana concealed in two garbage bags. Midkiff said the retail street value of the powered cocaine was estimated at approximately $100,000 while the retail street value of the suspected marijuana was estimated at $45,000-65,000.

Midkiff said the two drugs seizures were indicative of a stepped-up approach between Tri-Cities Narcotics Task Force and local law enforcement agencies.

“We’ve incorporated all agencies in our target area and we appreciate the help of local police departments and troopers in assisting with surveillance and investigative matters,” said Midkiff.

The third seizure occurred Wednesday morning when Trooper Fabian made a traffic stop at the same location on I-85 at Ga. Highway 74. The stop resulted in the seizure of approximately 60 pounds of suspected marijuana and charges of trafficking in marijuana against the two vehicle’s occupants.

Unable to produce a driver’s license, the driver of the rented Dodge SUV, 26 year-old Brandon Eugene Coley, of Pensacloa, Florida, was charged with suspended license, improper lane change and a probation violation. During the stop the trooper noticed a large bundle laying on the back seat and in plain view behind the driver. The large plastic-wrapped bundle was only loosely secured inside a torn brown paper bag. A portion of the clear plastic wrapping was torn, exposing the suspected marijuana and accompanied by a distinct odor, the trooper said.

Fairburn Police were notified and took Coley and 19 year-old Brandon Edward Colley, also of Pensacola, into custody. Fairburn charged both men with trafficking in marijuana, police officials said. The retail street value of the seizure was estimated at $120,000-180,000.