THREE ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

According to information from Sheriff Todd Entrekin, 35 year old Juan Gabriel Fernandez, 45 year old Juquin Marchan, and 33 year old Lahans Fitzgerald Cooper, were taken into custody by Etowah County Drug Enforcement Agents earlier this week.

Fernandez, of Marietta, Georgia and Marchan of Steele - are each charged with one count of Trafficking Marijuana which is a felony. Cooper of Birmingham is charged with one count of Trafficking Heroin and with Possession of a Controlled Substance, both of which are felonies. Approximately four pounds of marijuana - and various amounts of crack cocaine and heroin - with a value of somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000 - were seized during the arrests.

Sheriff Entrekin said the last significant seizure of heroin in Etowah County, was about ten years ago. Cooper initially resisted arrest and attempted to run 2 agents over with his vehicle; additional charges may be pending related to that incident.

All three individuals are currently detained at the Etowah County Detention Center. The investigation is on-going and extends into several counties and states.