2 East AL men arrested after drug search warrant executed

LEE COUNTY, AL (WTVM) - Two men from East Alabama were arrested on drug charges after a search warrant at a home was executed Monday.

Janerold Leonard Philpot, 38, of Opelika and Dashawn Maurice Thomas, 37, of Auburn, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and tampering with evidence.

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, as a deputy on patrol drove past the residence in the 3500 block of Lee Road 166 in Opelika, he detected a strong smell of marijuana. The sheriff's office said Philpot is the owner of the home. Deputies went to the home and secured it and the occupants inside until a drug search warrant could be obtained.

Law enforcement recovered four bags of marijuana weighing a total of nearly two pounds, three semi-auto handguns, and approximately $400 cash. Officials said one of the firearms was reported stolen from Jonesboro, Georgia.

Thomas is being held in the Lee County Detention Facility on a $2,500 bond. Phlipot has been released after posting a $3,500 bond.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 334-749-5651 or Lee County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-522-7847.

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