A Shelby County Sheriff's deputy was arrested last week for the distribution of performance enhancing drugs. Brandon Lee O'Dazier, 26, was charged with two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked and then released on bond set at a total of $26,000. "I am disappointed," Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry said, "as is every employee of the Shelby County Sheriff's office that a member of the law enforcement community would violate the trust given to us by the public." [continues 57 words]
In the whirlwind of drug busts, arrests and convictions that surround methamphetamines in Shelby County, consideration for one group of people has been brushed under the rug: children. According to law enforcement officials from Alabama and Shelby County, children often fall victims to abuse and neglect because of a relative's involvement with the creation and trafficking of methamphetamine. "Children are being held hostage in the midst of toxic chemicals and dangerous criminals," Alabama Attorney General Troy King said. "Alabama is suffering the tragic results of the rampant illegal mixing of hazardous substances to create methamphetamine." [continues 302 words]
Waiting to go in to Shelby County District Courtroom No. 5 on Friday morning sits a grandmother, a husband, a businessman and a young housewife. They barely know each other, and yet they have an understanding. They see each other every week, and yet they hope they'll never have to see one another at court again. There are more than 300 others just like them, and each has a similar story to tell. They find their common ground in the fact that they are recovering drug offenders. [continues 472 words]
Beginning July 1, Alabama pharmacies will be required to follow strict guidelines when selling products containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine such as decongestants and cold medicines. House Bill 152, championed by Alabama Attorney General Troy King and passed in the Alabama State Legislature last May, is aimed at combating the ever-growing problem of illegal production of methamphetamine in the state. The ingredients in ephedrine products can be used to create illegal methamphetamines. The law requires Alabama pharmacies to either keep these products behind the counter or keep the area of the store where they are on display under video surveillance. [continues 397 words]
