The Limestone County Narcotics Unit conducted numerous search warrants Nov. 7 across Athens with assistance from Limestone County SWAT, Madison County Narcotics Unit, Madison County Street Crimes Unit, Madison County SWAT and Athens PD HEAT.

As a result of the search warrants, more than 24 pounds of marijuana, a distribution amount of Methamphetamine, a simple possession amount of crack/cocaine, an assortment of pills, 10 illegally possessed firearms and US currency were seized.

“I would like to thank our deputies and all of our law enforcement agency partners, whose collaboration and commitment were instrumental in the success of this operation,” Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin stated in the release. “Without the collective efforts, expertise and resources of each agency involved, this outcome would not have been possible.”

As of Friday, Nov. 8, neither suspect was in custody and both are expecteed to still be at large. The following warrants were obtained:

— 45-year-old Athens male on Drug Trafficking Marijuana, Possession of a Pistol by a Violent Felon and Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance.

— 40-year-old Athens male on Drug Trafficking-Cocaine, 2 counts of Possession of a Pistol by Violent Felon, Illegal Possession of Marijuana 1, Illegal Possession of Marijuana 2, Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance-Crack/Cocaine and Illegal Possession with intent to distribute — Methamphetamine.

Late Monday, Nov. 11, into the early hours of Tuesday morning, Nov. 12, a series of unlawful vehicle entries occurred throughout the East Limestone area. The perpetrators targeted unlocked vehicles, stealing a range of valuables, including cash, firearms, credit cards and identity documents.

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating these crimes and has identified two of the three individuals involved. Warrants have been issued for:

— 24-year-old Huntsville male.

— 21-year-old Hazel Green female.

These individuals are wanted in connection with the vehicle burglaries in East Limestone.

The sheriff’s office has urged the community to prevent vehicle burglaries proactively. Investigators have found that these crimes typically occur between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., with offenders quickly moving through neighborhoods and checking vehicle door handles for unlocked cars. Once a door is found open, the thieves will search the vehicle and take anything of value.

To prevent falling victim to these types of crimes, residents are reminded to:

— Always lock their vehicle doors.

— Remove all valuables from their vehicles, including firearms, cash and personal documents.

— Report any suspicious activity immediately to the Sheriff’s Office at (256) 232-0111.

“Don’t be a victim — lock your doors and protect your belongings,” McLaughlin stated in the release. “The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to investigating these crimes and holding those responsible accountable.”