Two arrested on drug charges

Two men accused of selling drugs are behind bars thanks to an ongoing investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

Hector Silva, 27, with a listed address of 251 Wilkes St., Monroe, SC, was arrested on charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and second-degree receiving stolen property.

Antonio Silva, 37, 80 Edith St., Russellville, was arrested on charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of marijuana, second-degree receiving stolen property and second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, the sheriff’s department has been involved in an investigation for several weeks of subjects suspected of trafficking drugs.

During this investigation, officers were able to make several drug purchases from Antonio Silva where a pound of marijuana, a gram of cocaine and a stolen 12-gauge shotgun were recovered.

After the purchases were made, officers were able to secure a search warrant from the residence where both Antonio and Hector Silva had been staying.

While executing the search warrant at 13573 Alabama 243, Russellville, officers with the Franklin County Special Response Team (SRT) and the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board recovered more marijuana and cocaine.

Hector Silva, who had two bags of cocaine in his possession at the time of the search warrant, was arrested at the residence.

Also seized were thousands of dollars in cash, a Ford Expedition and a Nissan Pathfinder.

Both Hector and Antonio Silva are in custody at the Franklin County Jail. No bond has been set at this time.