Police say drugs were purchased at package store

By Tom Smith
Senior Staff Writer

Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, October 30, 2009 at 11:27 p.m.

SHEFFIELD - Acting on tips from residents about possible illegal drug activity, police arrested a Colbert County man Friday afternoon.

Harpreet Singh, 24, of Robbie Drive, Muscle Shoals, was arrested at his family business Friday and charged with numerous drug charges, Sheffield police said.

Singh is charged with two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of marijuana.

Sheffield Capt. Randy Butler said officers executed a search warrant and arrest warrants on Singh at Happy's Package Store on Second Street in Sheffield.

"We had been getting numerous complaints about illegal drug activity going on in the store," Butler said.

He said the investigation had been going on for months with the help of the Colbert County Drug Task Force.

Undercover agents made a number of buys inside the business.

Butler said when Sheffield Police and the drug task force executed warrants Friday, Singh was alone in the store except for some vendors stocking merchandise.

A search of the business resulted in the seizure of a half-ounce of crack cocaine, a small amount of marijuana, a large amount of drug paraphernalia and a large quantity of prescription narcotics.

Investigators said some of the drug paraphernalia, marijuana and pills were found hidden in the ceiling tiles.

"Cocaine and pills were also found on him when he was searched," Butler said.

Authorities said Singh is accused of selling crack cocaine and pills.

Singh was in Sheffield City Jail on Friday without bail. Butler said Singh will be transferred to the Colbert County Jail today.

Butler said all of the information of illegal drug activity at the business will be turned over to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board and the City Council for review in regards to any kind of action against the business owner.

"I fully intend to ask the City Council on Monday night to remove their license," said Police Chief Greg Ray. "We want all the business in the world in Sheffield but we don't need them selling cocaine to their customers."

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.