Tips aid drug unit in arrests

The Franklin County Drug Unit has made a string of arrests recently based on community tips and investigative work.
While executing separate search warrants at two different Russellville residences last Thursday, officers arrested two men who had been allegedly involved in illegal drug activity.
Justin Welker, 29, 1269 City Lake Dr., Russellville, was arrested at his residence for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.
Demetrius Fuqua, 25, 100 Ridgecrest, Apt. C-7, Russellville, was arrested at his residence for first-degree possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
In a separate case, officers executed a search warrant on Monday at 1313 College Ave. in Russellville where they had received information that the residents were possibly manufacturing methamphetamine.
Jesse Man, 40, and his wife, Mary Mann, 43, were both arrested for second-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and four counts of attempt to manufacture a controlled substance.
“Since the drug unit has been in existence, we have had numerous arrests based on these community tips we have received,” Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said.
“The drug unit has been an important tool for the area since we now have officers who are dedicated to following up on the tips we receive from the community about possible drug activity.
“These tips are important because many times the claims are valid and lead to arrests, and the more people involved in drug activity that we can get off the streets the better.”
Anyone who knows of drug activity taking place in the county can contact the drug unit’s investigators at anytime by calling the Russellville Police Department at 256-332-2230 or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 256-332-8820.