By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 22-year-old Sterrett man is being held in the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling half a million dollars after he was arrested and charged with trafficking a hallucinogenic drug in Alabaster.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested David Allen Watkins, who lists an address on Manor Drive in Sterrett, on March 13 and charged him with two felony counts of trafficking LSD.

According to his arrest warrants, Watkins allegedly distributed 5 grams of LSD in Alabaster on June 18, 2015, and allegedly distributed 6 grams of LSD on July 28.

Drug Task Force Commander Lt. Clay Hammac said the arrest came after a lengthy investigation, and said Watkins allegedly was distributing LSD-laced Sweet Tart candy pieces.

“Through a long-term investigation, he was identified as a potential trafficking source for LSD in western Shelby County,” Hammac said. “We worked with a number of intelligence sources, and through various undercover operations, we were able to make the arrest.”

Hammac said the amount of LSD confiscated from Watkins was a “significant amount,” which led to the felony trafficking charges.

Trafficking LSD is a Class A felony, according to Alabama law. If convicted, Watkins could face up to life in prison.

As of March 15, he did not yet have a future court date listed in Shelby County District Court.