Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit makes one arrest, seizes vehicle, materials at downtown business

ALBANY — The Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit, working jointly with the Albany Police Department’s Gang Unit, made one arrest and confiscated drugs, drug paraphernalia and a vehicle at the Daring Aromas business in downtown Albany Friday afternoon after raiding the business.

Officers broke glass on the door to gain entry into the 309 Broad Ave. business, which sells aromatherapy products. Estabian Carter, 45, was taken from the business by officers and later charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug-related objects.

Phyllis Banks, the Albany Police Department’s former Media Relations Officer whose business, PMB Media Relations and Crisis Communication Consulting, is providing contract public information services with Dougherty County while the county searches for a new PIO, said the raid was the result of a long-term investigation.

“There has been an ongoing investigation at that location; law enforcement officials have been watching them for a pretty good period,” Banks said at the scene Friday. “One person has been taken into custody, and a vehicle and other items from the business have been seized.”

Officers at the scene, including ADDU Commander Capt. Tyrone Griffin, referred The Albany Herald to Banks for comments on the case.

ADDU conducted the search warrant at Daring Aromas in reference to drug sales at the location. The search warrant was executed after a thorough investigation and multiple controlled buys had been carried out, Banks said in a later news release. During the execution of the search warrant, the following items were recovered:

— approximately 179 grams of cocaine (6.3 ounces);

— approximately 3,266.8 grams of marijuana (7.2 pounds);

— two digital scales and plastic baggies;

— $2,070 in U.S. Currency.

A vehicle also was towed away from the scene. Carter was transported to the Dougherty County Jail.

Staff Photo: Tara FletcherStaff Photo: Tara Fletcher

Special Photo: ADDU

Staff Photo: Angela Miller