Andalusia man faces drug charge
Published 12:00 am Friday, July 19, 2002
A 37-year-old
And-alusia man was arrested for drugs near Red Level Thursday according to Red Level Police Chief David Anderson.
According to Anderson, James McWilliams was traveling south on Hwy. 55 near Red Level when his car was stopped for traffic violations.
Upon approaching his car, Anderson said drug paraphernalia was in plain view.
Anderson said McWilliams was driving with a suspended license as well.
When the suspect was patted down, Anderson said a small bag of marijuana was found as well as a marijuana cigarette.
McWilliams was charged with possession of marijuana in the second degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. McWilliams was taken to the Covington County Jail.
Also Anderson said his department, along with other neighboring agencies, held a roadblock on July 5 on Alabama 55 near the intersection of Covington County Road 82.
Anderson said many accidents have taken place near the site, including several accidents with fatalities.
He said agencies taking part in the roadblock included the Red Level Police Department, Covington County Sheriff's Department, River Falls Police Department and the Andalusia Police Department.
He said during the roadblock 25 tickets were written, both citations and warning tickets, mainly comprised of driver's license violations, seat belt violations and insurance violations.
Anderson said the roadblock was made possible by an ADECA grant for selective traffic enforcement administered by the Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan.
He said he was happy with how the roadblock went.
"We had a low number of tickets, especially for a holiday time period," said Anderson. "We appreciate the drivers having their seat belts on and driving safely. Hopefully the message (of traffic enforcement) is starting to get out. We are well-pleased."
Anderson added that his department will keep having similar roadblocks as long as grant money is available.