Police Arrest Alleged Drug Trafficker At Canton Neighborhood Pool

CANTON, GA — A vehicle parked at a subdivision's pool during the overnight hours on Wednesday led sheriff's deputies to make yet another drug bust in Cherokee County.

A deputy with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office was patrolling an area in the vicinity of Sixes Road and Blankets Creek Drive near Canton April 12 when he came across a vehicle parked in the parking lot of a subdivision's pool.

The vehicle, occupied by 20-year-old Joseph Alan Purpura of Canton, also had its headlights on while stationed at the amenity. According to the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, Purpura was not a resident of the neighborhood.

"The deputy inquired as to why Joseph was sitting in the pool parking lot, as it was almost midnight and the facility was not open," the agency said, noting the deputy was already suspicious due to recent property-related crimes reported in the area.

While speaking with Purpura, an odor of marijuana flowed from the vehicle and caught the attention of the deputy.

When asked about the odor, Purpura allegedly told the officer that "there might be marijuana in the vehicle," CMANS said on its Facebook page.

The deputy requested backup, and an initial search of the vehicle unearthed marijuana, LSD and cocaine.

CMANS agents were also called to the scene, and another search of the car yielded about an ounce of cocaine, more than an ounce of THC Wax (Schedule I), more than an ounce of marijuana, roughly 22.1 grams of methamphetamine, LSD, THC-infused gummies, Xanax pills, a glass pipe, digital scales and small bags used for the package and sale of narcotics.

Purpura has been charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of a schedule I drug with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession of LSD with intent to distribute and possession of a Schedule IV drug.

He remains held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center with no bond, as the trafficking in cocaine charge automatically generates a no-bond status.

"In the end, this drug trafficker is off the street and this arrest is a great example of how a vigilant deputy patrolling his community can make a significant impact in affecting the sale and distribution of narcotics within Cherokee County," CMANS said.

This arrest comes on the heels of four people arrested Monday, April 10 in two separate incidents in Cherokee County. Three subjects were charged after police responded to a man sleeping inside a vehicle parked in a driveway at a home in unincorporated Woodstock. The other male was taken in to custody following a traffic stop near Sixes Road and Interstate 575.

The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad is a joint task force working in Cherokee County to investigate drug related violations.

Participating agencies include the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, Canton Police Department, Woodstock Police Department, Holly Springs Police Department, Ball Ground Police Department, Cherokee County Marshal’s Office, District Attorney’s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit and the Georgia State Patrol.

Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345-7920 or speak to an agent by calling (678) 493-7625.

Images via Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad