By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP – Managing Editor
Three people were arrested and cocaine seized after officials with the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force made a routine traffic stop in Escambia County on Tuesday.
Dewight Sparrow, 31, male of New Orleans and Tiya Brumfield, 36, female of Harvey, La., were each placed under arrest and charged with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and trafficking in cocaine. The third suspect has not been identified, but was charged with possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine) and trafficking in cocaine.
The arrest came on Jack Springs Road in Poarch when officials pulled over a gray Nissan Altima with three occupants. According to Keith Hutchins, task force commander, the occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of crack cocaine and powder cocaine in excess of 4.7 ounces.
The three suspects were transported to the Escambia County Detention Center where they await a bond hearing.
The task force has contacted officials in New Orleans and Mobile to seek assistance of the Drug Enforcement Agency in both states.
Task force agents were assisted during the arrest by the Atmore Police Department.
The 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force is comprised of the following law enforcement agencies: Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Atmore Police Department, East Brewton Police Department, Brewton Police Department, Flomaton Police Department, Escambia County District Attorney's Office and the Escambia County Commission.
The task force receives 75 percent of its funding from a grant funded by the Bureau of Justice Affairs Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and is administered by the Alabama Department of Community Affairs. The remainder of the funding is provided by the ECSO, APD, BPD and the district attorney's office.