For the second time in recent days, local law enforcement agents executed a search warrant in the Antioch Community, which netted another vehicle seizure and more than 20 pounds of marijuana. The search was conducted at a shop located near the intersection of County Roads 102 and 194 Monday, Dec. 23, around 1:30 p.m.

Joe Hester with the Cherokee County Drug Task Force said agents recovered a vehicle which appeared to have an altered VIN number and 24 pounds of marijuana which was found in a hidden compartment in the shop. Casey, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Dog, allegedly hit on the hidden compartment, which contained the marijuana.

Hester said this was the second largest marijuana find in Cherokee County, ranking second to a 37-pound find in recent years.

The property owner, Hester said, was identified as Phillip Clifton Keith, 44, who surrendered to authorities Sunday, Dec. 22, following a search of his property Saturday, Dec. 21. After his surrender, Keith gave his consent for officers to search other areas of his property.

In the Saturday search, agents found a quantity of “ice” methamphetamine and marijuana was found in this search, which resulted in the arrest of Keith and two other people. Casey was also instrumental in making these discoveries.

Agents also recovered three vehicles at the location Saturday, one of which was confirmed as stolen.

“The guys did a great job,” said Hester of the Tuesday marijuana seizure. “The canine indicated and recovered another good find here for us.”

Chris O’Neal is the canine trainer for Cherokee County.

Meanwhile, agents were still busy early last week taking inventory of some of the items seized in Saturday’s raid, which included a video surveillance system which was set up to track those entering and exiting the property. This system included seven televisions, video cameras, a motorcycle, some weapons, computer equipment, and more.

“We’re still going through it,” said Hester. “It’s an ongoing investigation and it might take weeks or a month to get it all straightened out.”

More arrests are possible as the investigation continues, Hester said.

Those agencies involved in the case include the Cherokee County Drug Task Force, Alabama Bureau of Investi-gation, Cedar Bluff Police Department, Alabama Depart-ment of Forensic Science and the Alabama Marine Police.

Cherokee County Chief Investigator Larry Wilson praised the work of the canine unit and the agents involved in these latest operations.

“We just hope to continue fighting drugs in our county,” said Wilson. “We will continue the investigation until we get everything identified and arrest those who are involved.