BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Bessemer man was sentenced this week on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger.
According to the plea agreement, on August 23, 2019, Hines sold methamphetamine and heroin to a confidential source at a residence in Bessemer. Later that day, agents arrived to arrest Hines on narcotics charges, and discovered a semi-automatic pistol in his waistband, along with 248 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine, digital scales, and additional controlled substances containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.
“As today’s sentence makes plain, trafficking dangerous drugs while carrying a gun can result in a long prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “I am grateful for the work of HSI in removing this drug dealer from our neighborhoods.”
“Finding and arresting criminals trafficking illegal drugs greatly improves the safety of the community by preventing this poison from finding its way onto our streets,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations is one of HSI’s highest priorities and we are proud of the work that we and our partners are doing.”
Homeland Security Investigations along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Garnett prosecuted the case.
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