News Releases

Joint Investigation Targets Members of Drug Trafficking Organization Operating in Alabama

Oct 23rd, 2015

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI Mobile), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Mobile County Street Enforcement Narcotics Team (MCSENT) worked a joint investigation to target individuals in the Mobile area who distribute heroin and crystal methamphetamine "ice". On Oct. 6, the teams of investigators conducted a state search warrant of a residence in Chickasaw. The result led to the arrest of 40-year-old John Michael Scruggs on Oct. 21 and the seizure of approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine "ice", one pound of heroin and three firearms.

The investigation included multiple undercover controlled buys and seizures since July 2015 from members of this Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Alabama, which led investigators to Scruggs, a high-level lieutenant in the organization.

The seized drugs have a combined final street value of over $700,000. Scruggs was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Heroin, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Pistol Carrying by Forbidden Person. He faces federal prosecution for multiple drug and weapon offenses.

The Mobile Police Department Narcotics Unit also participated in the investigation.


# # #

Charlette Solis
Mobile Police Department
Public Affairs Officer
251 208-1918