Mobile sheriff says man charged in 1999 murder was caught with nearly 2 pounds of fentanyl

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday they arrested a man for allegedly trafficking fentanyl.

Jamelle Thomas, W. I-65 Service Rd. He was arrested by the MCSO Narcotics and Special Operations unit following a search of the Baymont Inn at .

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said Thursday that the unit had been tracking Thomas for some time after receiving information that he was allegedly selling fentanyl-laced prescription drugs.

While executing the search warrant, they realized Thomas had a separate active warrant for murder, Burch said.

Thomas was indicted in 2020 December 13, 1999, shooting death of 24-year-old Marcel ChandlerAccording to mobile police.

Thomas was granted bail and was given a hearing date of Nov. 18 on Monday, according to court records.

During his last arrest, Thomas was allegedly found in possession of nearly two pounds of fentanyl-laced prescription drugs.

Thomas is charged with trafficking in fentanyl, tampering with physical evidence, possession/use of drug paraphernalia, and possession/use of a controlled substance.

Burch said this was one of the largest smuggling seizures in recent memory.

“This is one of the most important events we’ve had in recent memory,” Burch said. “This is, to my knowledge, the largest warrant we have. You know, on one person.”

Burch said it’s unclear how Thomas obtained the fentanyl because the incident is still under investigation.

If convicted, Thomas could face life in prison due to the amount of fentanyl he allegedly possessed.