DeKalb narcotics unit boasts $128M in 2013 drug seizures

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County Police Department on Friday showed off the fruits of its campaign to remove drugs from the community in 2013.

The department's narcotics unit held a briefing Friday morning where it displayed the $128 million in drugs it had removed in the last year. The dollar amount is based on the street value of the drugs.

In total, officers collected 6,000 pounds of marijuana and 565 kilograms of cocaine. Also on display were cash, guns and vehicles designed to conceal illegal drugs.

“This is just merely a snap shot of the amount and tonnage drugs that we've confiscated over the last 10 months,” said DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander.

The Police Department said 989 arrests made last year were connected to the narcotics unit’s investigations.

“Illegal drugs in this community contribute to burglary, violent crimes that plague this community,” Alexander said.

Some of drugs found were hidden in some creative places.

“Using dash boards, using floor panels, any place you can think of in a car they can build something to conceal something in. They’re pretty sophisticated,” said DeKalb County detective R.E. Viar.

“We’re going to be relentless in our efforts to go anyone and all who attempt to bring drugs in this community,”  Alexander said.

WSBTV