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July 3, 2008

McIntosh Co. drug task force kicks off warrant sweep

By D.E. Smoot

Authorities began wrapping up on Thursday an undercover drug investigation with a warrant sweep through McIntosh County.

Investigators say the investigation included a number of controlled drug buys during the past two months. Authorities began executing arrest warrants at about 9 a.m. Thursday. By noon, two men were in custody and others were being sought.

District 25 Drug Task Force Investigator Jared West said the investigation focused on methamphetamine trafficking. He declined to say how much meth had been purchased by undercover agents, but he described the accused as lower- to middle-level dealers.

“We spent quite a bit of money buying illegal substances,” West said.

Local, state and federal agents kicked off the warrant sweep with the arrests of Ervin R. Smith, 47, and Jerry Durand West, 43, both of Eufaula.

Smith and West were booked into jail on two complaints each of unlawful delivery of a controlled dangerous substance. Authorities said Smith was free on bond set in another case when the alleged drug buys occurred. West, they say, had been free from prison only a few months when he allegedly was seen selling drugs.

Investigator Jared West said authorities turned their attention to Bennie Irvin, also known as Eastside, and Timothy Sparks on Thursday afternoon. Irvin, 31, is wanted for one count of delivery, and Sparks, 49, is wanted for two counts of unlawful delivery of controlled dangerous substance.

West said other arrests are expected.

Reach D.E. Smoot at 918-684-2903 or Click Here to Send Email

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