Three individuals are facing charges following their involvement in the transportation of cocaine across state borders, while a child was present in the vehicle. The incident took place in Franklin County, Alabama.
A Lawrence County Drug Task Force agent initiated a multi-jurisdictional investigation, as confirmed by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Shannon Oliver emphasized the significance and gratification that comes from collaboration. Despite minimal resources and manpower in their small county, the collective effort of working towards a common goal benefits everyone involved.
The Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation involving a premeditated drug operation. The operation aimed to transport approximately one pound of cocaine from West Point, Mississippi to Red Bay, Alabama.
During the operation, all agencies collaborated to tackle the transportation of the cocaine. The individual involved in the operation has been identified as Darius Jones, hailing from West Point, Mississippi.
Jones was apprehended when he arrived at the designated drop-off point in Red Bay.
Stephanie Wofford, from Houston, Miss, and James Smith, from West Point, Miss, were also in the vehicle with Jones.
According to officials, Smith was found in possession of a loaded handgun when he was apprehended.
According to reports, Wofford was allegedly driving with her 2-year-old grandchild who was not properly secured in a child safety seat. Officials were alerted and contacted the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to handle the situation concerning the child. As a result, all adults involved were apprehended. Sheriff Oliver confirmed that the two-year-old child is unharmed.
The vehicle was detected by a Franklin County K9 unit, which indicated the presence of narcotics.
During the vehicle search, law enforcement discovered a plastic bag in the trunk among other bags. Inside the plastic bag, they found approximately one pound of a substance that they suspected to be cocaine.
Sheriff Oliver expressed his astonishment at the large amount of cocaine that was discovered in Franklin, Lawrence, and Colbert County. He referred to it as a significant bust, emphasizing the magnitude of the find.
Jones faces multiple charges, including Drug Trafficking, Chemical Endangerment of a Child, and Giving False Name/Identification to Law Enforcement. Currently, Jones is held at the Franklin County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond.
Wofford faces charges of Drug Trafficking and Chemical Endangerment of a Child. Currently, Wofford is held at the Franklin County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond.
Smith faces multiple charges including Drug Trafficking, Chemical Endangerment of a Child, Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm, Possession of an Altered Firearm (with an altered serial number), Possession of Controlled Substance (Buprenorphine sublingual strips), and a Second Possession of Controlled Substance (having a controlled substance in a medicine bottle labeled for a different substance). Currently, Smith is in custody at the Franklin County Detention Center, with a cash bond set at $100,000.
Sheriff Oliver stated that they have a belief regarding the intended recipients of the drugs, although this matter is still being investigated.
“Due to the quantity, they have got to be selling it,” Sheriff Oliver said. “I’m sure this was going to be sold to someone here but the investigation is still ongoing on that.”