Gadsden drug arrests

Rickie Mack Dowdy

James Luke Nelson

Agents of the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, working with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, have made two arrests for trafficking methamphetamine.  DEU Commander Rob Savage said the agents got a warrant to search a Penny Circle residence in Gadsden and found about 30 grams of methamphetamine and another as-yet-unidentified controlled substance, along with a number of firearms.  39 year old Rickie Mack Dowdy,  was arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine and taken to the Etowah County Detention Center, where he remains. No bond had been set for Dowdy.  43 year old James Luke Nelson, of Gadsden, was arrested at the intersection of U.S. Highway 411 and Goldenrod Avenue, Savage said. Agents found about an ounce of methamphetamine in Nelson’s possession.  He was charged with trafficking and remains in the Etowah County Detention Center on $25,000 bond.  Savage said a number of vehicles and cash were seized in connection with the arrests.