BCSO charges 2 in Georgiana for distribution

The Butler County Sheriff's Office has arrested two Georgiana men and charged them with distribution of a controlled substance, following a raid on Thursday.

"While working an undercover drug operation that spanned three months, we were able to make contact with a dealer in Georgiana," said Chief Deputy Kenny Harden.

"We arranged to make a purchase at Pugh's Pub, located on U.S. Hwy. 31, just north of Georgiana," he said.

Harden said the Georgiana Police Department was called to assist with the bust, which took place at approximately 12:45 p.m., on Dec. 21. "As a result of this investigation we arrested Derri Jerome Pugh, 39, and Lukeith Likely, 23, both of Georgiana," he said. "Pugh was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, and Likely was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, first degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"We also recovered approximately two grams of powdered cocaine, and approximately 1.5 ounces of marijuana," Harden said. "In addition to the drugs, we also recovered a large amount of cash."

Harden said the two suspects were transported to the Butler County Jail where they were booked on the listed charges.

"Likely posted his $63,000 bond through a bondsman, and Pugh got out after posting a $20,000 property bond," Harden said.

The two suspects will be facing enhanced sentencing if they are convicted, according to Harden. "The laws allow for stiffer sentencing due to the fact that the offenses occurred within three miles of a school and a housing project," Harden said.

Harden said the Sheriff's Department is devoted to eliminating drug crimes in Butler County.

"These arrests were a part of our continued war against drugs," said Harden. "The Sheriff's Department will continue top work on drug enforcement-any tips that citizens might have can be made anonymously, if they will just call me or Sheriff Harris," Harden said.

"The work we do in drug enforcement would not be possible, if it were not for the assistance that we receive from law-abiding citizens," said Sheriff Harris. "So, as anyone can see, the help we receive from the public actually makes our jobs possible, in on-going efforts to protect the public."

As a direct result of the arrests, and in order to improve investigative tactics, Alabama criminal laws allow for monies and property seized in drug-related crimes to be used to further the war against drugs.