By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Two Calera men remain in the Shelby County Jail after authorities arrested and charged them with allegedly trafficking cocaine in Helena on Sunday, Oct. 7.

 

The Helena Police Department arrested 28-year-old Jorge Andrade Merida and 30-year-old Maximillano Andrade Merida, who both list an address on Shelby County 771 in Calera on Oct. 7, and charged them both with felony cocaine trafficking.

According to arrest warrants, Jorge and Maximillano were found to be in possession of 36 grams of cocaine or a mixture containing cocaine on Shelby County 52 at Hillsboro Parkway in Helena where they were allegedly attempting to “knowingly sell, manufacture or deliver” the controlled substance.

In addition, Jorge was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Jorge remains in the Shelby County Jail on a bond totaling $251,000 while Maximillano remains in the Shelby County Jail on a bond totaling $250,000.

Trafficking cocaine is a Class A felony, and is punishable between 10 years and life in prison.

Both men are scheduled to appear in Shelby County District Court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 8:30 a.m.