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The narcotic unit is comprised of one lieutenant, Wayne Ragan; one sergeant Scott Entrekin; and two patrolmen, Gary Pierce and Ron Leek. Last year the unit joined forces with a new county wide drug task force called the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit. The unit develops intelligence, conducts surveillance, cultivates an informant base, and mutually supports other narcotic agencies in the Gadsden-Etowah County area in the investigation of narcotic crimes. Each officer assigned to narcotics learns to identify illegal narcotics such as cocaine and methamphetamine in its various forms as well as prescription narcotics that are normally diverted. Officers are also focusing on designer drugs such as Ecstasy and GHB. Officers gather information through citizen reports, direct observation, the use of confidential informants, under cover operations and networking with other agencies. The narcotic unit often conducts search warrants for illegal possession and sales of drugs based on reliable information. "Sweeps" or arrest "round-ups" take place several times each year. Narcotics work is extremely dangerous. Every situation is considered "high-risk" with officers suiting-up in tactical gear and carefully planning each search warrant. Officers assigned to narcotics must blend-in with those in drug culture, learning the "walk and the talk" to be effective. |
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Web Site designed and maintained by Officer Darrell Arnold |
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