MOULTON — A man authorities said has been a suspect in drug activity for years, his wife and his son are in jail after an undercover investigation, officials said.

Arrested were Michael Cordale Allen, 47, Greta Garner Allen, 44, and their son, Toddirck Aarin Allen, 19 all of 1421 Lawrence 268, Town Creek, Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell said.

Authorities said Michael and Greta Allen are each charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Torrick Allen is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

“We have been watching Michael for three to four years now,” said Amard Martin, director of the Lawrence County Drug Task Force. “We never could get enough information and evidence for a search warrant until now.”

Mitchell said the arrests came after agents conducted undercover controlled buys of marijuana and after a search of the family residence.

He said agents began their investigation involving the Allens after receiving reports of illegal drug activity. He said that during the investigation, undercover drug agents were able to purchase quantities of marijuana from Toddrick Allen, which then led them to obtain a search warrant for the Allen residence.

“Michael has been in the business for a long time,” Martin said. “He was not only doing business in Lawrence County, but crossing over into Colbert County as well.”

Reports indicate marijuana, prescription pills and cocaine as well as drug paraphernalia were found during the search of the house. Mitchell said several guns were located in the residence as well.

Martin said it is believed the guns were stolen from residences in Lawrence and surrounding counties.

“We believe the Allens were selling drugs in exchange for the guns,” Martin said.

Mitchell said it’s unclear at this point just how many of the guns were stolen.

“Four of the guns have been identified as being stolen out of three different counties in northwest Alabama,” Mitchell said.

The Allens are being held in the Lawrence County Jail without bond at this time.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-40-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.