TWO ARRESTED ON CONTRABAND CHARGES NEAR VENTRESS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, ADOC K-9 and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office arrested two subjects in the vicinity of Ventress Correctional Facility.

At approximately 6:42 a.m., ADOC K-9 was notified that a Barbour County Deputy was on scene at the Department of Human Resources in Clayton, Ala., with two subjects that had apparently called the Sheriff’s office because they were ‘cold and their ride had left them’.

Larry Jerome Pinkston Marshal and Eddie Cortez Smith were dressed in all black with their heads covered and they were wet and muddy. It was determined that they were involved in an attempt to introduce contraband at Ventress. ADOC K-9 tracking dogs led agents to the spot where the suspects were dropped off. Multiple packages were discovered along the track. Confiscated contraband includes:
• 444 gross grams Green leafy substance / Marijuana
• 32 gross grams Crystal substance / Methamphetamine
• 35 Phones
• 1 Wi-Fi hot spot
• 4 Wireless earbuds
• 14 USB drives
• 10 SIM tools
• 10 Charging blocks
• 2 civilian knives
• 18 Black and Mild cigars
• 1 Digital scale

Both subjects were transported to the Barbour County Jail and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana 1st, and Promoting Prison Contraband 1st. this investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.