By Staff Reports
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Drug and Major Crimes Unit has worked diligently to make 2016 as successful as possible. DeKalb County faces a variety of drug problems, the most prevalent of that being methamphetamine.
The Task Force is comprised of full time and part time agents from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Payne Police Department, and the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. The unit is governed by a board represented by Sheriff Jimmy Harris also Chairman of the Board, Chief Randy Bynum, and District Attorney Mike O’Dell. Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson, also the Commander of the task force, oversees the daily operations.
Agents work around the clock in conjunction with all other law enforcement agencies in our county in order to combat illegal drugs and drug activity. The task force was formed with the goals to reduce the level of drug trafficking and the availability of illegal drugs in our county as well as make a substantial impact on violence and property crimes linked with drugs.
The statistics for the DeKalb County Drug and Major Crimes Unit continue to be considerable. These numbers differ from last year indicating its effectiveness. Agents continued investigations into ongoing cases as well as opened 417 new cases. They strive to develop leads and gain crucial information on individuals and groups involved in drug trafficking and manufacturing in our area. The task force works alongside several federal agencies, including the Organized Crime Drug Task Force, sharing intelligence and gathering information concerning cartels that are operating in our area with reaches beyond our jurisdiction.
Arrest numbers for the task force in 2016 include 12 arrests for trafficking, 17 arrests for manufacturing, and 530 arrests for possession of controlled substance. The overwhelming majority of these arrests are related to methamphetamine. Due to the circumstances surrounding certain crimes, 23 of these defendants are also facing federal charges. With these investigations and arrests, numerous drugs have been seized. Last year 3,785.5 grams (or 8.35 pounds) of methamphetamine were confiscated along with 159.5 grams of spice, 332.3 grams of marijuana and 44 plants, 18 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of heroin, and 3,430 pills. The task force conducted 20 search warrants throughout the year in various areas of the county. While executing these search warrants and arrests 39 guns, 4 vehicles, and over $46,000 in illegal drug money have been seized.
DeKalb County residents are strongly encouraged to report any suspicious drug activity by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801 or our website at www.dekalbcountysheriff.org. Tips can be left anonymously and are always kept confidential. Any information shared with the task force is analyzed and investigated, which can be a lengthy process depending upon the situation. Concerned citizens that take the time to get involved are imperative to combating illegal narcotics in our county. With your help, the DeKalb County Drug and Major Crimes Unit is hopeful that they can make a substantial impact on the drug activity in our county. Our task force works for and with the citizens to keep our community a safe place to live and raise a family. These statistics are made available to keep the community informed of our progress.
