Hanceville police have arrested a Blount County suspect in what investigators are describing as the biggest drug bust in the department’s history.

A joint operation between the Hanceville Police Department and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of Bradley Neal Steele, 33, of Blountsville on Dec. 19.

Stelee was arrested during a controlled drug buy orchestrated by Hanceville police through an informant. The arrest represents the culmination of a long-term investigation, once Hanceville police had identified Steele as a suspect for trafficking drugs in Blount and Cullman counties.

Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long said a search of Steele’s home led to the recovery of 110 pounds of high-grade marijuana, 1.8 pounds of lab-manufactured methamphetamine, 3 ounces of cocaine and approximately $93,000 in cash.

The drugs hold an approximate street value of $350,000, according to police.

Investigators said they also recovered an assortment of pills, firearms and a ballistic vest from Steele’s home.

In preparing to arrest Steele, Hanceville officers coordinated a controlled buy at a location in Blount County Monday evening. A group of Hanceville officers, including Chief Long, Investigation Lt. Brannon Hammick, Deputy Chief Adam Hadder and Sgt. Rob Long traveled to Blount County, with support from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.

“We had been working with our informant for weeks, and when we arranged the buy, it just so happened that it was going to take place in Blount County,” said Hadder. “Out of professional courtesy, we contacted the Blount County Sheriff’s department and worked the case with their assistance.”

Steele was booked into the Blount County Jail on three felony charges: trafficking in marijuana, trafficking in methamphetamine and trafficking in cocaine. He is being held on a $3 million bond.

In Alabama, the threshold for a drug charge to qualify as trafficking, instead of distribution, is 28 grams for cocaine and methamphetamine, and 2.2 pounds for marijuana.

Long said the investigation is ongoing, and that Steele and other people could face additional charges as police continue to evaluate his alleged supply and distribution network.

Hadder said the contraband recovered during the bust is remarkable not only because of its quantity, but — in the case of the drugs — because of its quality.

“This guy is definitely an ‘upper level’ dealer,” Hadder alleged. “Anytime you have that quantity of coke and cash, it’s rare. This was 110 pounds of high grade marijuana — Kush, ‘bud,’ whatever you want to call it — this was not dried out marijuana with twigs and seeds in it. This was premium stuff with a high street value.

“And with the ice [methamphetamine] we recovered: people don’t realize how much two pounds of methamphetamine really is. I can’t stress how much dope it was; just an unbelievable amount.”

Long praised the work of both law enforcement agencies in carrying out the arrest.

“Our officers did a fantastic job,” he said. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Blount County Sheriff Lloyd Arrington, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, for all of their hard work and dedication on this case.”

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.