By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP - Managing Editor
Five people were arrested on drug-related charges last week as the result of two separate investigations conducted by the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, agents with the task force, along with deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at 234 Gafford Lane near Brewton.
Farris Gafford, 47, of 234 Gafford Road was arrested and charged with distribution of a controlled substances; possession of controlled substances; possession of marijuana, first degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Also arrested as a result of the search was Scotty Nix, 36, of Brewton, charged with possession of marijuana, first degree, and Mickey Earl Bradley Jr., 24, of Repton who was charged with possession of marijuana, second degree.
According to Task Force Commander Keith Hutchins, agents with the task force recovered from the residence over one pound of marijuana as well as several marijuana plants. The agents also allegedly found firearms on the scene.
On the same night, task force agents and deputies served another search warrant at 48 Fish Hook Lane, Brewton. The search yielded two arrests.
Thomas Jefferson Ansley, 73, and Doyle Ansley, 42, both of 48 Fish Hook Lane, were arrested and each charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, first degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to Hutchins, agents seized over one pound of marijuana and several marijuana plants. Firearms were also found at the residence.
Hutchins added that federal charges could be handed down against some suspects due to firearms and drugs being found at the scene of each search.
The 21st Judicial Drug Task Force is comprised of the following law enforcement agencies: Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Atmore Police Department, East Brewton Police Department, Brewton Police Department, Flomaton Police Department, Escambia County District Attorney's Office and the Escambia County Commission.
The task force receives 75 percent of its funding from a grant funded by the Bureau of Justice Affairs Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The remainder of the funding is provided by the ECSO, BPD, APD and the district attorney's office.