2 charged with trafficking cocaine

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police charged two people with trafficking cocaine and put them behind bars Wednesday.

Authorities said they were executing a search warrant on Book Avenue in Prichard.

“They had information that these people were selling crack from this residence,” said Mobile Police Department Spokesperson Cpl. Chris Levy.

Officials said they seized about $4,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, a stolen handgun, and 34 grams of cocaine.

"Drugs are bad enough. When you combine drugs and guns, you escalate it to the potential of violent crimes,” said Levy.

Montese Lydell Harris was charged with trafficking cocaine, second degree possession of marijuana, second degree receiving stolen property, and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Akila Poelnitz was charged with trafficking cocaine, second degree possession of marijuana, second degree receiving stolen property, and use/possession of drug paraphernalia. He also had several warrants out for his arrest.

Neighbors told FOX10 News they mostly keep to themselves, and didn't know police had made the arrests.

“We don't really have any problems on this end. So, I don't know about the other end,” said Patricia Thomas.  

Thomas has lived in the neighborhood for eight years. She said she tries her best to protect her grandchildren and her neighbors from crime.

“I a lookout for my neighbors. I peep out and check my neighbors because all my neighbors are elderly. We all care about each other,” said Thomas.