Etowah County drug roundup results in 27 arrests; more pending

Etowah County, Al.
The Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit conducted Operation Last Call on a blustery, rainy Wednesday afternoon, changing patterns from typical early-morning drug roundups.

Agents with the drug unit, with assistance from the Joint Special Operations Group, U.S. Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Gadsden Police Department Special Projects Team spread out across Etowah County with 76 felony drug warrants for 51 people, said Rob Savage, commander of the drug unit.

The roundup primarily targeted repeat offenders for drug trafficking, distribution and manufacturing charges, along with a few possession warrants.

About 50 officers were briefed about the roundup, with a reminder that no arrest should be considered routine.

Sheriff Todd Entrekin told officers to remember those they were going to arrest were repeat offenders.

“Just be careful out there,” he said.

Gadsden Police Chief Roy Harbin also stressed safety.

“This is a good operation and it is well planned out,” Harbin said. “Let’s make sure everyone stays safe.”

Brenn Tallent, supervisory special agent with the FBI, said the level of these cases and the offenders reflect the type of criminals it is important to focus on.

“This level of offender makes an impact in the community,” Tallent said.

The roundup got off to a good start. Within an hour after officers hit the street, more than a dozen people had been placed into custody by four teams.

Late Wednesday, about 27 people were in custody on 43 felony warrants, Savage said.

“We’re very pleased with the success we’ve had so far,” he said. “The nature of these charges are serious. The majority are for distribution, trafficking and manufacturing.”

The cases were about equally split between methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

Most of the investigations were conducted within the last six weeks, Savage said.

The afternoon time frame of the roundup was driven by the investigations, which determined it was the best time for the operation, Savage said.

“I think the results have proven that it was a good decision to conduct this operation in the afternoon,” Savage said.

A complete list of the arrests and more details are expected to be released today, Savage said.