KILPATRICK– Deputies seized more than four kilograms of tramadol during a search in the Kilpatrick community, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. They arrested a Crossville man on drug and forgery charges.

First, investigators served a warrant Tuesday, Sept. 22, at a home in the 200 block of County Road 467. The sheriff’s office reported finding tramadol, U.S. currency, false identification documents, and boxes of prescription medication.

The Drug Enforcement Administration lists tramadol as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Deputies also detained Porfirio Ambrocio-Diaz, 41, at the residence. He faces charges of drug trafficking, three counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument, and illegal possession of prescription drugs.

The sheriff’s office said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security placed an immigration detainer on Ambrocio-Diaz pending his release from the DeKalb County Detention Center. The release also described him as unlawfully present in the United States.

Later, investigators served a second warrant at Barrera Supermarket, citing evidence gathered during the investigation. Officers seized U.S. currency and documents there, the sheriff’s office said. Homeland Security also detained some people at the scene over their immigration status, according to the release. However, the sheriff’s office did not identify them or announce charges against them.

The searches involved the sheriff’s Drugs and Major Crimes Unit and Special Response Team. In addition, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force and Homeland Security participated, according to the release.

Sheriff Nick Welden said removing dangerous drugs from the community remains a priority. The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office said additional charges are possible.

The charges against Ambrocio-Diaz are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds him guilty.