Pubdate: Sat, 03 Feb 2001
Source: Abilene Reporter-News (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Abilene Reporter-News
Contact:  P.O. Box 30, Abilene, TX 79604
Fax: 915 670-5242
Website: http://www.reporternews.com

DOZENS ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES IN BROWN COUNTY

BROWNWOOD - Dozens of arrests were made Friday in one of the largest 
drug investigations in Brown County. As of late Friday afternoon, 
authorities had arrested 32 of the 54 people wanted on various drug 
charges.

A Brown County grand jury returned 75 indictments against 48 people 
on Tuesday on drug charges. In addition, warrants were issued for six 
other people, also on drug charges.

The indictments were a result of a seven-month undercover 
investigation by officers of the Abilene-based West Central Texas 
Interlocal Crime Task Force. The indictments are for delivery of 
drugs, including methamphetamine, amphetamine, powder and crack 
cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs.

All but three indictments involve felony charges. The warrants were 
for delivery of drugs and possession of a controlled substance.

The people arrested Friday were between the ages of 17 and 60. Most 
of them were released from the Brown County Jail after posting bail, 
a jail spokeswoman said. The bonds ranged from $5,000 to $15,000.

Officers did not face resistance in making the arrests Friday. They 
seized a pistol and some marijuana plants.

Brownwood Police Chief Virgil Cowin said the number of arrests will 
be larger than in 1999 when 42 people were indicted on drug charges. 
Cowin said authorities could be arresting people on the indictments 
through the weekend.

"This will probably be one of the bigger (drug investigations) that's 
ever happened in Brown County," he said.
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