Thursday was a bad day for seven individuals arrested at a house off Highway 48 as part of a multi-agency drug trafficking operation.
When law enforcement served a search warrant at the residence, there was a 'large amount' of ecstasy present, according to Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver. In addition to the half pound of ecstasy, which was of sufficient quantity to constitute drug trafficking under Alabama law, officers seized more than $5,600 in cash from the residence.
The joint investigation included the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the Russellville Police Department, the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and United States Postal Inspectors.
The seven occupants of the home were each arrested and charged with Trafficking in Methylenedioxy Amphetamine, a felony that carries mandatory minimum prison sentences upon conviction. Based on the alleged eight ounces of ecstasy pills, if convicted, the defendants would face mandatory minimum prison sentences of three calendar years and a fine of $50,000.
Those arrested with their charges include:
--Druey Gandy, Drug Trafficking and Assault 2nd Degree—Elder Abuse and Neglect.
--Shamaya Chatman, Drug Trafficking.
--Malcolm Shuler, Drug Trafficking.
--Megan Handy, Drug Trafficking.
--Darrell Bunch, Drug Trafficking.
--Raven White, Drug Trafficking.
--Shanaeta Brown, Drug Trafficking.
As of Friday, the defendants remained in the Franklin County Jail awaiting bond.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Commenting on this story has been disabled.
