Prichard PD conducting drug raids

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - Prichard police have been hitting the streets to fight crime in their city. Undercover officers have been working throughout the city, purchasing drugs to catch drug dealers in the act.

Over the past few days, they've been making arrests.

Officers raided an automotive repair shop not far from downtown Wednesday. Inside they found some very interesting things, and officers said the employees were doing much more than working on cars.

A FOX10 News crew rode along in a caravan as it sped through the streets of Prichard. After a few minutes, the cars suddenly pulled over and armed officers rushed inside a car repair shop.

Soon, a few men were handcuffed and placed outside.

"I don't know what happened here. You tell me!” yelled one handcuffed man as he sat outside.

Officers raided Hunter's Automotive on Wilson Avenue. Prichard Police Chief Jimmie Gardner said over the past few days undercover officers bought drugs there.

"Did you find any [drugs]?” one handcuffed man asked with a smile.

On this raid, officers did not find drugs, but they did find a massive storage area in the back of the business.

Gardner said, "This is a place where you work on automobiles, not a place where you store the kinds of things and kinds of property that you would find back there."

Inside the enormous storehouse, there were bikes, ATVs, brand new kitchen ranges and even a boat. Police believe these were stolen and traded off for drugs.

"Many times drug acts and drug users sell pawned off items and receive stolen items and then pawn those items off as well," said Gardner.

Police also found an incredible amount of poker chips and playing cards. They said these are odd items to store at a repair shop.

However, Gardner said drugs were purchased there, and the case is under investigation. The chief feels this should send a message to people out there selling illegal goods.

"We're coming, and we're going to deal with you appropriately as it relates to selling drugs,” said Gardner.