Oxford Resident Arrested in Major Drug Bust in Etowah County

On Wednesday, March 20th (2024) Etowah County reported the arrest of Lester Casina Smith, age 39, from Oxford, Alabama.

Smith was charged with several offenses, including Fentanyl Trafficking; Unlawful Possession of Marijuana – Methamphetamine – and Suboxone; Felony Evasion of Law Enforcement; Resisting Arrest; and Obstruction of Governmental Operations.  Officer Jeremy Simmons – with the Glencoe Police Department – initiated the arrest during a traffic stop.  Smith allegedly did NOT comply with the officer’s instructions and tried to leave the scene.

However the police managed to detain him.  During the search of Smith’s vehicle police officers found Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Suboxone and Marijuana.   

Smith was arrested and is currently held at the Etowah County Detention Center on a $165,000 surety bond.  That investigation into his activities continues, with potential additional state and federal charges related to the case.

Several law enforcement agencies are involved in the case, including the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Gadsden Police Department, Rainbow City Police Department, Southside Police Department, FBI North Alabama Criminal Enterprise Task Force – and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.