Northeast Alabama law enforcement officials have made significant headway in combating heroin distribution in the area – arresting seven people in connection with that offense this week.

According to Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Rob Savage those arrests include – 52 year old Jackie Wilson, 28 year old Michael Taylor, 34 year old Nicholas Meeks and 28 year old Dale Robinson, Jr. – each charged with one count of drug distribution; and 24 year old Matthew Gibson – two counts of drug distribution; 25 year old Derrick Britton – charged with three counts of drug distribution; and 31 year old Ben Porter – charged with one count of drug trafficking.

All seven are being held in the Etowah County Detention Center and several face additional drug charges. Savage said six associated drug arrests were made and law enforcement will continue their search for four other individuals in connection with the case.

The arrests came about as the result of an undercover operation which lasted around three weeks – during which a series of coordinated buys took place in Gadsden, and surrounding areas.

That initiative was launched following a sharp rise in heroin overdoses around the area.

Etowah County District Attorney Jimmie Harp stated the operation is part of a coordinated campaign against the drug.

(al.com/www.al.com)