PRESS RELEASE

Drug Arrest

Wednesday March 20, 2024

(Etowah County, Alabama) One individual has been arrested with drug charges in Etowah County, according to Sheriff Jonathon Horton. 

Lester Casina Smith (39) of OXFORD, Al is charged with one count of Trafficking Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana First, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Suboxone), one count of Felony Eluding Law Enforcement, Resisting Arrest, and Obstruction of Governmental Operations. 

On March 15, 2024 Officer Jeremy Simmons with the Glencoe Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Lester Casina Smith.  After approaching the vehicle Mr. Smith would not comply with Officer Simmons.  Other Officers then arrived on scene.  Mr. Smith then rapidly accelerated almost striking Sergeant Anderson and fled the scene leading Officers with the Glencoe Police Department on a high speed chase.  After a brief pursuit Officers were able to get Mr. Smith stopped.  Mr. Smith still continued to resist Officers.  Mr. Smith had to be forcibly removed from the vehicle where he was placed under arrest.  During the search of the vehicle Officers recovered a quantity of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Suboxone, and Marijuana.  Lester Casina Smith  was arrested and is being held in the Etowah County Detention Center on a $165,000.00 surety bond.

This investigation is still ongoing and there could be more State and Federal charges related to this case.     

The Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, Etowah County Sheriff's Office, Gadsden Police Department, Rainbow City Police Department, Southside Police Department, the FBI North Alabama Criminal Enterprise Task Force, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force participated in the case.

Lester Smith