By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 67-year-old Alabaster man who is facing a felony drug-trafficking charge is set to stand trial in Shelby County Circuit Court in early November, according to scheduling documents recently posted in court.

Rickey Louis Kirkland, who lists an address on Fourth Avenue Northeast in Alabaster, is set to stand trial beginning on Monday, Nov. 5, in front of Circuit Court Judge William Bostick. Kirkland also is set to appear in court for a plea date on Oct. 30.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested Kirkland on June 4, 2014, and charged him with one felony count of trafficking synthetic drugs.

A Shelby County grand jury indicted Kirkland on the charge during its June 2015 term, alleging Kirkland was found in possession of 1,264 grams of synthetic marijuana at his residence. The amount of controlled substance allegedly found in Kirkland’s possession led to the trafficking charge, for which Kirkland could spend life in prison if he is convicted.

Drug Enforcement Task Force Commander Lt. Clay Hammac has previously said synthetic marijuana carries several hazards, and can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, comas and even death.

Kirkland has been out of jail on a $100,000 bond since June 10, 2014.