LPD arrests three for drugs

May 09, 2008 09:50 am

— Sale Drugs: Get A Visit from Laurel Police Department’s Narcotic Agents.
That’s the message that officials with the LPD issued Thursday as they executed two search warrants at residences in the City of Laurel.
Agents with LPD Narcotics Unit, along with LPD’s Special Operations Unit executed search warrants at 1123 Lucas Street and 1814 Lee Street Thursday afternoon.
As a result of the searches, three people have been arrested and now face drug charges.
All three arrests were made at the Lucas Street address just before school dismissal.
LPD Narcotics Agent Vince Williams said he, along with Sgt. Robert Strickland and officials with the Special Operations Unit executed the warrants and made the arrests based on citizens’ tips and police investigations.
Those arrested were Terrance Strong, 22, of 28 Burt Creel Road, Taylorsville; Deanthony Wade, 27, of 220 Stevens Ave., Laurel; and James Smith, 25, of 123 1/2 South 17th Ave., Laurel.
All three arrests occurred as officers were executing a search warrant at Strong’s grandmother’s house on Lucas Street.
Williams said a couple of grams of crack cocaine were found along with $270 in cash, which were seized.
According to officials, Strong, Wade and Smith were booked into the Jones County Adult Detention Center where they have been charged with one count each of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Strong was also charged with one count each of the sale of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Maria Williamson, Strong’s cousin, said police damaged some of her cousin’s property during the execution of the warrant. Moreover, she maintained that no drugs were being sold at the residence.
“Enough is enough,” Williamson said referring to police. “I know that there is not any illegal activity going on here. ... Terrance Strong does not live here. My grandmother and her brother lives here.”
Officials said the arrest of Strong was the result of several months of investigations and the cooperation of citizens.
“We ran some surveillance and we also received anonymous tips from citizens,” Williams said. “There’s been a lot of activity at this residence.”
Then later in the day, police executed another search warrant at the Lee Street residence.
“After receiving numerous tips about drug activity and neighbors’ complaints about activity at this (Lee Street) house, we conducted surveillance and were able to get a search warrant,” Williams said. “A shooting occurred in the area and it allegedly started at this residence.
“There are some good citizens in this neighborhood, but there are also some bad elements here,” Williams added. “We are here to help get rid of the bad elements.”
Four people were at the home at the time officers arrived on Lee Street to execute the search warrant.
Although no arrest was made at the Lee Street residence, Williams said residents need to know that the police will continue to investigate all activity in the city.
“We will be in the area,” Williams said. “We will try to keep the area safe. We are going to be out there. ... So criminals need to know that sooner or later, you’re going to get caught.”
Williams thanked the public for their information and continued support of the police department.
“We appreciate the assistance we get from residents,” Williams said. “We rely on the citizens to give us some help, and we appreciate the calls.”
Officials said Strong is expected to be arraigned in Laurel Municipal Court today. As part of that court appearance, a revocation hearing for Strong will also be conducted. At the time of his arrest on Thursday, Strong was on parole in connection with a previous charge.

Photos

Laurel Police Department officers work to place one of three men under arrest on drug charges in Thursday’s incident on Lucas Street.

LPD Narcotics Agent Ted Ducksworth searches one of the vehicles at the Lee Street residence Thursday afternoon as officers executed a search warrant for the property.