COLUMBIANA- A Jemison man was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamines on Friday, April 28, after he allegedly attempted to sell over 28 grams of methamphetamine in Columbiana.

Silvano Guevara-Mata, 30, who lists an address on Chilton 123, was caught with 14.5 pounds of methamphetamine. According to his arrest warrant, Guevara-Mata did “knowingly sell, manufacture, deliver, or bring into this state or knowingly [having] in actual or constructive possession of … methamphetamines” while at or near Gould Road in Columbiana on April 28. A press release from the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force stated the street value of the methamphetamine was approximately $240,000.

According the press release, the methamphetamines were shipped overnight via parcel from Calexico California, a small town near the Mexican border, and were intended for delivery to Shelby County.

Guevara-Mata.

Trafficking methamphetamines is a Class A felony. If convicted, Guevara-Mata could face 10 years to life in prison and a maximum fine of $60,000.

Guevara-Mata is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on a bond of $1 million. His case was assigned to Shelby County District Court Judge Daniel A. Crowson. A preliminary hearing date has not been set.

“This was a unique investigation, which relied heavily on partnerships and relationships with other agencies and organizations,” SCDEFT Commander Clay Hammac said. “I personally applaud the efforts of our SCDETF investigators for removing a significant amount of dangerous drugs from our communities.”