ERWIN – A Unicoi County man is facing several drug-related charges following an anti-drug operation conducted by the 1st Judicial District Drug Task Force that led to his Tuesday arrest.
Darius A. Shell, 47, 2070 Chestoa Pike, was charged with sale of a schedule VI drug, sale of a counterfeit controlled substance, sale of a schedule IV drug and maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold.
According to reports filed in Unicoi County Sessions Court, on Feb. 13 the Drug Task Force initiated an anti-drug operation in the Chestoa Pike area.
“The operation goal was to identify the methods and scope of the narcotics distribution organization that is being operated by Darius Shell, with a secondary objective to identify other members of the group and understand their roles in the organization,” the affidavit of complaint written by Agent Nick Hughes states.
On the aforementioned date, an informant met with Shell at his home, where the informant purchased marijuana, according to the arrest report. The report states that on Feb. 26, an informant met Shell at his home, and the informant purchased a bag containing a white powder believed to be cocaine and was sold as such. However, after the substance was turned over to agents and tested by them and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab, tests were negative for cocaine, according to the report.
On April 6, an informant was able to again purchase marijuana from Shell, according to arrest reports. On Tuesday, DTF agents conducted a search warrant on Shell’s home where they found 107 grams of marijuana, one gram of cocaine powder and a container with various pills inside, the reports state. Reports also state Shell told officials that the drugs found belonged to him.
“On at least three occasions undercover purchases of narcotics have been made at this home, involving Mr. Shell,” the reports state.
Shell was taken into custody and transported to the Unicoi County Jail. He was arraigned in Sessions Court on Wednesday, where a $50,000 corporate bond was set. Shell is scheduled to again appear in Sessions Court today.