Heroin found in juice boxes

Heroin found in juice boxes

GADSDEN, AL (WBRC) - Three men have been arrested in Attalla on charges of hiding heroin in juice boxes.

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin announced Thursday the arrests of:

Juan Gabriel Fernandez, 35, Marietta, Ga.
Juquin Marchan, 45, Steele, Ala.
Lahans Fitzgerald Cooper, 33, Birmingham, Ala.

Sheriff Entrekin said the three men were arrested Tuesday during a traffic stop in Attalla. Entrekin said deputies found heroin, marijuana, and crack cocaine in the vehicle.  Some of the heroin was hidden in juice boxes.

"You know, it was packaged in Mexico, probably in a plant that produces this product, and sent into our country," Entrekin said. "And you know, everybody wonders why we've got so many drugs every day.  Well, they're creative in what they're doing in their country."

Sheriff Entrekin said the drugs are valued at approximately $50,000.

Fernandez and Marchan were each charged with one felony count of trafficking marijuana.  Cooper was charged with one felony count of trafficking heroin and with felony possession of a controlled substance.

In addition, Sheriff Entrekin said Cooper initially resisted arrest and attempted to run two agents over with his vehicle.  Entrekin said additional charges may be pending related to that incident.

All three individuals were detained at the Etowah County Detention Center.

Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.