ALABAMA — Three people were arrested and more than 15 pounds of cocaine were seized during a multi-state drug trafficking investigation centered in north Alabama, according to the North Alabama Drug Task Force.
Authorities said agents with the North Alabama Drug Task Force and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force carried out a search warrant May 11 at a residence in the Huntsville area following a years-long investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating between Texas, Georgia and Alabama.
Investigators said the operation led to the arrests of Jesse Williams, 51, of El Paso, Texas; Peggy Laverne Jones, 68, of El Paso, Texas; and Robert Isiah Jacquez, 27, of El Paso, Texas.
Williams and Jones were each charged with trafficking cocaine, while Jacquez was charged with conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime involving cocaine trafficking.
All three suspects were booked into jail with bonds set at $1.5 million.
During the investigation, agents seized about 15.1 pounds of cocaine and nearly $39,000 in cash. Authorities believe the cocaine was intended for distribution across several Alabama counties.
Officials said investigators monitored the organization for years as those involved repeatedly avoided arrest. Authorities eventually gathered enough information to execute the search warrant and dismantle the operation.
“This investigation is a reminder that drug traffickers may avoid arrest for a period of time, but law enforcement will continue pursuing those who choose to bring dangerous narcotics into our communities,” NADTF Commander Lt. Joseph Kennington said in a statement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
