Two locals charged in Russellville drug raids

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Russellville police arrested two people Monday after executing search warrants at two separate homes.
Investigators with the Russellville Police Department and the Franklin County Special Response Team executed search warrants Monday evening.
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said the first search warrant was carried out at 815 White St. in Russellville where investigators found more than two pounds of marijuana.
Hargett said Kenneth Gregory West, 38, was arrested and charged with trafficking marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. There was also a warrant issued for West due to a probation violation.
"At the time the SRT team executed the search warrant, the defendant was attempting to discard the marijuana into the garbage disposal," Hargett said.
Police were able to retrieve a large portion of marijuana from the residence, officials said.
"He probably was able to dispose of some of the drug but we feel like we were able to get a good portion of it from the residence," Hargett said.
According to the Alabama Criminal Code, trafficking marijuana is a Class A felony punishable by 20 years to life in prison upon conviction.
Hargett said investigators executed a second search warrant Monday at 1315 Scott Ave.
Venessa Jansen, 24, was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of marijuana, distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
Distribution of a controlled substance is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison upon conviction.
Both West and Jansen are in jail pending a bond hearing.