From Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM – Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies arrested three people were arrested in two separate incidents yesterday for trafficking in illegal drugs after tips from citizens lead to the discovery of heroin, methamphetamine, and a gun.
Complaints about drug sales led officers to the area of The Pines Apartments on Crumpton Drive in Bessemer where narcotics investigators began conducting surveillance around the complex. They identified two suspects who had outstanding arrest warrants.
One of these suspects was seen leaving the apartments as a passenger in a vehicle, according to a statement from JCSO. The car was stopped and a male occupant was arrested for an outstanding warrant charging him with unlawful possession of a controlled substance. A subsequent search of his residence revealed over four grams of heroin, prescription pain medication, digital scales and a handgun.
The suspect was identified as 35-year-old Patrick Bevelle of Bessemer. He was also charged with trafficking heroin, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He posted ,000 bond and was released.
In the second case, narcotics investigators acted on tips about methamphetamine sales in northern Jefferson County near Gardendale. Investigators developed information that two suspects would be transporting a half pound of methamphetamine from a home in the area.
A description of the suspect vehicle, a 2004 Cadillac Escalade, was also obtained. Marked patrol units were called in to stop the suspect vehicle. Once the car was stopped a K9 was brought in and indicated that drugs were indeed in the car. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed just over seven ounces of methamphetamine.
The occupants of the vehicle were identified as 30-year-old Dana Flippo of Gardendale and 28-year-old Donain Rodriguez. They were both arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine. They remain in the Jefferson County jail with bond set at $500,000.