In what amounted to five arrests in as many days, the Butler County Sheriff's Office has been able to remove some $22,000 worth of illegal drugs from the streets.

First, in continuation of the investigation whereby deputies made two arrests on West Mills Street in Georgiana last Wednesday, another suspect has been apprehended and charged with dealing drugs.

"We arrested Jeremy Mack Peak, 25, of 350 Pinehill Dr., Georgiana on Friday, and charged him with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance n Peak is currently out of jail on a $30,000 bond," said Chief Deputy Kenny Harden.

The agency continued with its investigation of the case, and again made an arrest on Sunday, June 3.

"We received information of a possible shipment of drugs, and after looking for the suspect, Deputy Sgt. Joe Salter made a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon, on Veneer Mill Road near Mobile Road in Georgiana," said Harden. "As a result, Spencer Lewis Bethel, 21 of Perdue Street, Georgiana, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, first degree and possession of a controlled substance."

Harden said Bethel had a large quantity of illegal drugs in his possession.

"We recovered approximately one-half pound of marijuana, contained in individual plastic bags, and also approximately 12 grams of powdered cocaine, contained in four individual plastic bags," he said. "After performing field tests of the materials, it was determined they were in fact marijuana and cocaine n they will be taken the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for evaluation."

Harden said Bethel is currently being held at the Butler County Jail, awaiting an appearance before District Judge Barry Branum.

"The judge will have to set Bethel's bond amount," Harden said.

The Chief Deputy pointed out that these cases would not have been possible without cooperation.

"This is a direct result of several officers and agencies working together for the cause," Harden said. "None of them would have been possible with just any one person, they came as a result of teamwork."