Marijuana Growers Caught In The Act

08/17/2012

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, one Cherokee County resident was growing more than tomatoes in his garden.  On August 15, 2012, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was working with the Alabama Bureau of Investigations Marijuana Eradication Team conducting aerial searches when one of the state trooper pilots spotted marijuana plants off County Road 83 in the Moshat Community.  The pilot observed a man run from the residence and begin cutting down the plants.  Officers on the ground responded to the residence and located all the plants which had been cut down, additional plants beside the residence, and approximately 1 pound of marijuana was found drying inside the house.  Carl Steven Smith, 53, was arrested and charged with trafficking in marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia along with Smith’s son, Jeffrey Kyle Hulsey, 19, for 1st degree possession of marijuana.  Hulsey has been released on bond.  Smith remains in the Cherokee County Detention Center with a $50,500 bond.  The seized marijuana is estimated to have a street value of $86,000.  Sheriff Shaver wishes to thank the ABI team for their cooperation and assistance in helping to apprehend drug offenders in our county.