DTF busts pot peddling man
Published 12:05 am Saturday, July 23, 2011
An Andalusia man is charged with six counts of chemical endangerment of a child after Covington County Drug Task Force agents found him using marijuana in the presence of six minors, aged 2 to 17.
Victor Windy Cooley, 49, is also charged distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond for the nine total counts is $1.6 million.
Drug Task Force agents executed a search warrant at the man’s home, located on Cooley Lane of Prestwood Bridge Road west of Andalusia, on Friday. At the time they entered the home, agents detected the strong odor of burning marijuana and it was obvious the drug was being used in the presence of minors.
Agents found several ounces of marijuana packaged for sale, digital scales, U.S. currency, more than 30 firearms, counter surveillance equipment and paraphernalia used in the ingestion and sale of marijuana.
DTF Commander Mark Odom said he was pleased with the find.
“This comes as the result of another fairly long investigation by the DTF. Although we have been investigating Cooley’s involvement in the distribution of marijuana, it wasn’t until recently that we learned that children were being exposed to the drugs.”
Odom said Cooley is believed to be one of the larger suppliers of marijuana in the Andalusia area.
“I am very pleased to take Colley off the streets,” he said. “Any day we can arrest a drug dealer and remove kids from that type of environment, it is a good day.”
Odom expressed his appreciation to the Covington County IRT for their assistance in the execution of the search warrant. Also assisting were Andalusia, Florala and Opp Police Department personnel.
Additional charges from this investigation may be forthcoming, Odom said.