Two Men Arrested in Boaz on Methamphetamine Distribution Charges

HUNTSVILLE—Federal and local police arrested two men Wednesday in Boaz on illegal drug distribution charges resulting from a federal indictment returned in December, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Patrick Maley.

Carlos Tabera Gonzalez, 37, and Efran Ramirez Calderon, 34, both illegal immigrants living in Boaz, are charged in the indictment with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Marshall County from 2002 to November 2011. The indictment also charges Calderon with distributing methamphetamine on Feb. 3, 2011, in Marshall County.

Following the arrests Wednesday, officials executed search warrants on two Boaz residences associated with the two men. Approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, three handguns, ammunition, scales, and about $13,000 were recovered in the search.

“Criminals with guns who are involved in trafficking dangerous and illegal drugs in our communities are the kind of people that we must take off our streets,” Vance said. “I want to thank all the law enforcement agencies who have worked with the FBI to achieve the indictment and Wednesday’s arrests of these men.”

The case is being worked as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Program, which brings together law enforcement at all levels to combat violent street crime, as well as gang and drug trafficking offenses.

The FBI, Boaz Police Department, Albertville Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, the Marshall County Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Hodge is prosecuting the case.