Published: March 06, 2008 05:59 pm            

Eight arrested for cocaine

Part of ongoing drug investigation

Eight people were reportedly arrested in Commerce Monday night, after local police officers served a search warrant on a home on Williams Drive and discovered a cache of narcotics, money, weapons — and two young children.

According to a release from Commerce Police Chief Kerry Crews, tactical officers raided the residence in the 400 block of Williams shortly after 9 p.m. Monday. Inside the small home, the officers encountered 10 people, including a 14-year-old and a 6-year-old. The children were released to family members as officers arrested seven males and one female.

Crews said the search warrant was the result of a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in the Commerce area.

Officers were reported to have located four bags containing a substance believed to be cocaine, both in powder and rock form, with a preliminary weight of approximately 300 grams. A large amount of cash was seized, while three firearms and several prescription drugs were also found inside the residence.

The Commerce Police Department was assisted by the Texas A&M University-Commerce Police Department during the raid.

The eight people arrested Monday included Gerald Lamont Dugan, 34, who was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug, Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

 — Terrell Dugan, 26, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance.

— Howard Terrell, 17, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance.

— Ronnie Dugan, 27, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance.

 — Randle Dugan, 34, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance.

— Nicholas Gadlin, 19, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug, Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

— Rodney Patterson, 27, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance.

— Kemisha Dugan, 25, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, five counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Controlled Substance.

All eight suspects were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Jennifer Reeves. Crews said the investigation was ongoing and that additional charges and defendants were likely.

Crews added that the Commerce Police Department wanted to be a message to drug dealers; that is, “If you sell drugs in Commerce, you will be caught”.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug trafficking to contact Commerce Police Department Investigator Walker at twalker@koyote.com, or call 903-886-1139. The providing information can be allowed to remain anonymous.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.