Birmingham, Alabama, August 24, 2025

News Summary

Authorities in Birmingham have successfully conducted significant drug busts, leading to the arrests of Derek Washington, Ke’yon Atkins, and Raishean Garrett McCoy. Washington, who attempted to evade a police traffic stop, is facing serious charges including drug trafficking and eluding police, while Atkins and McCoy were apprehended in a separate operation involving methamphetamine and firearms. These operations are part of a larger effort to combat drug-related crime in Birmingham with substantial collaborations between law enforcement agencies.

Birmingham, Alabama

Authorities in Birmingham have made significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking with two major drug busts resulting in multiple arrests. The first arrest involves a suspect named Derek Washington, 29, who was apprehended after a multi-agency pursuit that concluded in Birmingham. Washington faces an array of serious charges including two counts of drug trafficking, unlawful distribution and possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and eluding police. He is currently being held in the St. Clair County Jail with a bond set at $3,043,500.

The police pursuit began when Washington attempted to evade a traffic stop on Interstate 20. The operation involved several law enforcement agencies, including the St. Clair County Drug Enforcement Unit, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Patrol, and the Birmingham Police Department among others. Authorities have lauded the collaboration among these various agencies, which played a pivotal role in his capture.

In a separate incident, two Birmingham residents, Ke’yon Atkins, 20, and Raishean Garrett McCoy, 34, were also arrested on drug trafficking charges along with additional charges of eluding police. The St. Clair County Drug Enforcement Unit reportedly seized about 442 grams (15 ounces) of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun during these arrests. Atkins is facing six counts of drug trafficking, while McCoy is facing two counts. Both men are being held in the St. Clair County Jail with a combined bond exceeding $9 million.

St. Clair County Sheriff Billy Murray expressed gratitude towards the numerous police departments that assisted in these operations. The arrests are part of a broader commitment from law enforcement to combat drug-related crime in their communities.

Similarly, the recent dismantling of a large-scale drug trafficking organization by the North Alabama Drug Task Force has resulted in 23 indictments, leading to the seizure of $4.8 million in illegal drugs, along with $223,385 in cash, 10 firearms, and four vehicles connected to the operation. This operation marked the first under the Agent Billy Clardy III Act, which enables law enforcement to utilize advanced investigative techniques, including wiretaps, to combat drug trafficking more effectively.

The leader of the drug organization, Reginald Scott, was the first individual to be convicted under this new act in June. Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to continuing their fight against drug trafficking, highlighting the significance of investigations and initiatives like the Agent Clardy III Act in enhancing public safety.

In another traffic stop on I-65, two men, Dwight Anthony Dominique Orr Jr., 32, and Londrisk Cortez Mack, 36, were arrested after officers discovered a stolen handgun along with drug paraphernalia and ID documents associated with other individuals in their vehicle. Orr has a history of violent crime and multiple drug trafficking offenses, and he was on federal probation until 2027. Officers charged him with receiving stolen property (firearm), certain persons forbidden from possessing a firearm, tampering with physical evidence, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Mack is facing charges related to trafficking stolen identities and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond amounts for both Orr and Mack are still pending and will be evaluated based on their probation statuses and judicial review.

Key Facts Summary

• Derek Washington, 29, arrested for drug trafficking after attempting to flee a traffic stop on I-20.
• Multi-agency pursuit involved numerous law enforcement units across the region.
• Washington faces multiple charges and is held on a $3,043,500 bond.
• Ke’yon Atkins and Raishean Garrett McCoy arrested in a separate drug bust, with a combined bond exceeding $9 million.
• North Alabama Drug Task Force recently dismantled a large drug operation, resulting in significant seizures.

Important Context

The Agent Billy Clardy III Act, named after a fallen police officer, allows law enforcement to use advanced investigation techniques to address drug-related crimes. This is leading to more effective enforcement efforts across Alabama.

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Additional Resources

• ABC 3340 News
• WBRC News
• WAFF News
• AL.com
• WVTM 13 News
• Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
• Google Search: Birmingham Alabama drug trafficking
• Google Scholar: Birmingham drug trafficking
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
• Google News: Birmingham drug arrests

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.