Russell's drug arrest shocks neighbors

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - More details are slowly being released in the arrest of JaMarcus Russell. The former Oakland Raiders Quarterback was taken into custody at his home after being accused of possession of a controlled substance.

Although he's facing a felony charge, he was in and out of jail in a matter of minutes. Officials said this is his first offense and Russell was not the only one being investigated.

"I was shocked. Seemed sad that he would have this kind of trouble after his success as an athlete," neighbor Tom Miller said.

Neighbors were surprised to hear of Russell's alleged involvement with drugs.

Deputies said his arrest came after an investigation that lasted several months.

"It was an undercover narcotic investigation on various drugs, marijuana any type of illegal drug. His name came up several times and his home location and so it's our duty as law enforcement to go investigate that," Lori Myles with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities got a search warrant and went to Russell's home.

"Found evidence of a controlled substance," said Myles.

Deputies said that substance was codeine syrup.

"It has several different street names one is sip-sip one is syrup, and the purpose is to get you high," Myles added.

Officials said Russell did not have a prescription for it.

"It's been known to be used illegally. What they call purple drank, when they mix the codeine syrup with a substance like 7up or Sprite. Codeine syrup is a very powerful narcotic. It is a prescription only drug and it's in the same class of drug as heroin and oxycontin, those types of drugs. It's a painkiller. It's been widely used in the south and I understand it's been popular among professional athletes," Virginia Guy, Executive Director of the Drug Education Council said.

Deputies won't say whether Russell was suspected of using the codeine or selling it.

Authorities said they don't know how much of the codeine syrup was found. The substance was turned over to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science, they'll determine the amount within the next 7 to 10 days.