Gluckstadt police nab alleged drug trafficker

GLUCKSTADT — A Jackson man was arrested here on drug trafficking charges after he was pulled over on the interstate earlier this month, authorities said.

Frederick Douglas Porter, 39, of Jackson, was arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, careless driving and no seatbelt, Chief Barry Hale said.

On March 7, at 12:06 p.m., officers with the Gluckstadt Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Porter traveling northbound on Interstate 55, just past the Gluckstadt Road exit, Hale said.

Upon making contact with Porter officers immediately detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. 

“A subsequent search led to the discovery of a significant quantity of fentanyl pills, weighing just under half a pound, along with a small amount of marijuana and a Glock 9mm handgun,” Hale said.

Hale said the drugs seized were worth between $6,000 and $12,000.

“Taking 500-600 Fentanyl pills of the streets could potentially save many lives, as even a tiny amount of Fentanyl can be deadly, is a great achievement by the Gluckstadt Police Department,” Hale said. “Law enforcement efforts like this play a crucial role in combating the opioid crisis and protecting communities.”

On Monday, March 10, Porter was given bond in the amount of $1 million in Gluckstadt Municipal Court.

Porter remains in custody in the Madison County Detention Center.

Hale said potential penalties for the trafficking charges include between 10 and 40 years in prison as well as a fine of between $5,000 and $1 million.

“The Gluckstadt Police Department remains committed to removing dangerous drugs like fentanyl from our streets,” Hale said. “The impact of fentanyl on communities across the country has been devastating, and every effort to prevent its distribution is a step toward ensuring public safety.”