The Huntsville Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team seized a significant amount of fentanyl and other illegal drugs after a routine traffic stop turned into a full-scale narcotics investigation on Monday, April 21.
Around 6 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle for traffic violations near Hilltop Terrace and Summerhill Drive. The driver, 31-year-old Tavias Lavon Drake, was the sole occupant. Before pulling over, Drake tossed several bags from his vehicle. Officers recovered the bags, which contained multiple illegal substances, including a substance that tested positive for fentanyl.
Within four hours, the traffic stop led to a follow-up narcotics investigation. Officers searched a residence connected to the case and uncovered additional quantities of fentanyl and other illegal drugs. In total, the following were recovered:
◾️Just over four ounces of fentanyl
◾️19.5 counterfeit fentanyl pills
◾️Multiple other illegal narcotics
Drake was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana first degree. He was booked into the Madison County Jail with a $1.5 million bond for the trafficking charge and $10,000 for each of the additional charges.
We would like to thank our Anti-Crime Team for their quick thinking, teamwork and dedication to keeping our community safe.
This case remains under active investigation, and more arrests are expected. Please note: An arrest does not imply guilt. An individual is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
