Cherokee County Woman Arrested in Tennessee Marina Drug Bust With Fentanyl and Meth
CHEROKEE COUNTY, ALABAMA — A Cherokee County woman wanted on outstanding warrants is being extradited back to Alabama after she and another suspect were captured during a major drug bust at a Tennessee marina, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Deputies Find Fugitives Hiding Inside Boat
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were searching the Harbor Lights Marina in Harrison, Tennessee, on Thursday morning when they located Jessica Shaw and Justin Brakefield, both wanted fugitives.
Deputies say the pair were hiding inside a boat when law enforcement surrounded the area.
“After refusing to follow commands, deputies established a perimeter,” the sheriff’s office said. “The suspects later surrendered without incident.”
Fentanyl, Meth, and THC Discovered
During a search of the vessel, authorities seized a stash of illegal narcotics, including:
- 12 grams of fentanyl
- 10 grams of methamphetamine
- 9 grams of THC products
Both Shaw and Brakefield were taken into custody and transported to the Hamilton County Jail.
Extradition to Alabama
Investigators confirmed that Jessica Shaw will be extradited to Cherokee County, Alabama, where she faces an outstanding warrant on separate charges.
Brakefield, meanwhile, was found to have multiple active warrants across several jurisdictions and remains in custody in Tennessee pending further legal proceedings.
Prior Arrests in Cherokee County
Authorities said Brakefield has a criminal history in Alabama, including previous arrests for receiving stolen property and for being a person forbidden from possessing a pistol.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said they are coordinating with Tennessee officials to ensure both suspects face prosecution in their respective states.
“We’re grateful for the quick work by Hamilton County deputies in safely apprehending two wanted individuals,” an Alabama law enforcement source said. “This kind of collaboration helps get dangerous drugs and offenders off the streets.”
Fentanyl Remains a Growing Threat
The bust adds to a growing number of fentanyl-related cases in Alabama, where the synthetic opioid continues to fuel a rise in overdoses and trafficking arrests.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, fentanyl is now linked to more than 70% of all overdose deaths statewide.
Law enforcement agencies across the Southeast continue to increase cross-state operations targeting fentanyl and meth distribution networks.
Do you believe law enforcement should increase interstate cooperation to combat fentanyl trafficking across Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
