Authorities make what they call largest meth seizure in Etowah County history
A Hokes Bluff woman is jailed on more than $2 million bond in what authorities are calling the largest methamphetamine seizure in Etowah County history.
According to a news release from the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, agents with the local Drug Enforcement Unit on March 9 found 22 pounds of meth in a trailer where Lindsey Michelle Hampton, 39, was staying in the western part of the county, near the Attalla city limits.
According to the release, an investigation produced information that Hampton was allegedly trafficking large quantities of meth from a residence near Hokes Bluff. The probe eventually led them to the trailer across the county, and a search warrant was obtained.
Agents also found heroin; hydrocodone, oxycodone and diazepam pill; marijuana; $20,645 in U.S. currency and a handgun.
Hampton is charged with two counts of trafficking meth, one count each of trafficking hydrocodone and oxycodone, and first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana. She’s in the county jail on $2.01 million bond.
The Gadsden Police Department and the FBI’s North Alabama Criminal Enterprise and FBI Safe Streets task forces participated in the case.
Additionally, the sheriff’s office this week made 53 arrests during a drug roundup called “Operation March Madness.”
Four teams involving deputies; the DEU; police from Gadsden, Glencoe, Southside, Altoona and Rainbow City; U.S. Marshals; and FBI agents spread out across the county with warrants on 135 suspects for drug trafficking and possession.
According to the release, officers recovered various drugs and paraphernalia, including scales, and some of those arrested will face additional charges.
Sheriff Jonathon Horton praised the “teamwork and communication” shown during the operation, and thanked local residents for providing tips to authorities.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Authorities find 22 pounds of meth, arrest woman
