Large bust at former business location nets meth, marijuana, firearms

ADDISON - A former business transformed into a drug distribution center was raided by law enforcement agencies in Winston and Cullman counties, finding 25 grams of methamphetamine, 10 to 12 grams of marijuana and 32 firearms, two of which were reported stolen. Arrested as a result of the distribution were Gary Lynn Crowell, 50, of 1575 County Road 1082, Vinemont, charged with three counts distribution of a controlled substance, three counts possession of a controlled substance, one count possession of marijuana second degree, one count possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts receiving stolen property third degree; Brian Thomas McBride, 39, of 73 CR 219 Arley, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance; Lisa Michelle Douglas, 38, of 225 CR 985, Cullman, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia; Regina Lianne Graves, 29, 1281 CR 108, Bremen, charged with obstructing governmental operations, all according to Winston County Sheriff’s Investigator Caleb Snoddy. Crowell was still incarcerated as of press time at the Winston County Jail, Double Springs, facing a $143,000 cash bond, noted jail officials. McBride bonded out May 14 on a $15,000 regular bond, with Douglas bonding out May 11 on a $3,000 bond and Graves bonding out May 11 on a $6,000 bond, officials added. The Winston County Sheriff’s Office was joined by Addison Police and a K-9 team from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and Winston County Constables Office in executing a search warrant Thursday, May 10, around 8:30 p.m., Snoddy said. An ongoing narcotics investigation led to the execution of the search warrant on Sardis Airport Road, where Crowell was operating a drug distribution operation from a building that once housed a truss business, authorities said. Entry was made without force through the front door and subjects were detained also without incident, according to Snoddy. Four of the seven persons at the scene were taken into custody, as law enforcement conducted a sweep of the residence using the K-9 team from Cullman, officials said. After the residence was cleared of persons, the sweep by the K-9 team alerted on several items, which led to an inspection finding a total of 25 grams of meth or ice in several different bags in the office area of the former business building, according to Snoddy. The sweep also found 10 to 12 total grams of marijuana in different bags, he indicated. Around 32 firearms ranging from shotguns, rifles and pistols were located, two of which were reported stolen from Cullman County--one in 2003, the other this year, investigators said. Paraphernalia items included wooden pipes, scales, glass pipes and several unused bags, Snoddy added. “A lot of effort has been spent investigating this narcotics operation, which was considered to be one of the largest operation in the northeast side of the county,” Snoddy pointed out. “This is a big win for not only the sheriff’s office but also for the residents of the Sardis community, to which we owe gratitude for their vigilance in reporting crimes they see as well as giving information about narcotics activity.” All drugs found on the scene are being sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for further evaluation, officials said. “All in all, it was a great success,” added Snoddy. “Much thanks to all of the agencies involved. “Outstanding effort was given by all the participants in the search warrant by all officers on the scene. “Their assistance greatly aided in the aprehension of subjects” Snoddy added. *When a defendant is charged with a crime, the charge is merely an accusation until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.