Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and seized more than 11 ounces of crystal methamphetamines and more than 4 ounces of cocaine Thursday night at a residence on Timberline Drive.
Agents with the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force obtained a search warrant for the residence at 79 Timberline Drive after receiving several complaints from the public alleging drug activity coming from and at the residence, according to Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Kyle Palmer.
Agents also found several firearms inside the residence, a small amount of marijuana and an undetermined amount of cash, Palmer said.
When agents arrived, Bernard Phinizee, 52, was found in the backyard of the residence. Phinizee attempted to flee from the agents and allegedly threw a glass jar containing methamphetamines inside it.
Agents found the jar after taking Phinizee into custody.
“Phinizee had the illegal drugs stored in numerous glass jars in the hard and had hallowed out a piece of firewood and fixed it back to appear normal to store illegal substances,” Palmer said.
The drugs have a total street value of $12,000.
Phinizee was arrested and charged with two counts of drug trafficking (meth and cocaine), unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, attempting to elude, tampering with physical evidence, certain persons forbidden to carry a firearm, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was booked into the Franklin County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.
Members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Russellville Police Department and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office assisted the task force in executing the search warrant.
Phinizee previously pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2023, to one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute after being arrested on July 26, 2021, according to court records.
He was given a 48-month suspended sentence.
