The
West Alabama Narcotics Squad (WANS) is the county's Metro unit of
cooperative narcotics investigation. This unit is comprised
of experienced investigators and works all areas of narcotics investigation.
The unit is housed at the Tuscaloosa Police Department and is made
up of investigators from the Sheriff's Office, the University of
Alabama, Tuscaloosa Police, and the Northport Police Department.
Investigators engage
in demanding investigations on a daily basis. These often
include search warrant executions and undercover investigations
to deter the trafficking and use of illegal drugs. On occasion,
the unit also assist federal agencies and the Alabama Department
of Public Safety with joint investigations. 
The unit's strengths
rest in this cooperative environment and pooling of resources to
create synergy among agencies. Much of the financial needs not covered
by the member agencies is covered by grants and proceeds from civil
forfeiture. |