One year after splitting from the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office drug unit, the city of Gadsden says its fight against illegal drugs is paying off.

The Gadsden Police Department’s Street Crimes and Narcotics, or SCAN unit, has made major progress — including a recent seizure of nearly 100 pounds of marijuana. Officers say the bust followed a community tip, part of what’s been a highly productive stretch that also turned up smaller quantities of marijuana and THC vape pens.

Police say while marijuana seizures are notable, their biggest concern remains deadly drugs like fentanyl — and even a few grams can be more dangerous than large marijuana shipments.

Officials credit the city’s focus on keeping drugs out of Gadsden. They say most narcotics that reach Etowah County pass through the city first, and by stopping them early, they can protect surrounding communities.

Leaders also say community cooperation has been critical to the SCAN unit’s success, with many arrests and seizures sparked by anonymous tips from local residents.