Men arrested near Alabama prison with backpack full of drugs, cell phones on Christmas Eve

Two men were arrested on drugs and other charges after they were found on Christmas Eve near a state prison with a backpack containing drugs and cell phones, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Agents with the ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division and the agency’s K9 Bureau with help from Atmore Police and the Poarch Creek Police Department responded to reports Tuesday of possible trespassers near Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore, authorities said.

K9 handlers found the suspects, Derrick Bean and Keith Davis, in a wooded area near the prison and a backpack with about 448 grams of marijuana, 28 grams of methamphetamine, eight grams of cocaine, fentanyl, various cell phones and charging blocks, according to the ADOC.

The suspects were taken to the Escambia County jail on charges of three counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, prohibited activities, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana, the agency said.

Bean was also charged separately with third-degree possession of a controlled substance and second-degree promoting prison contraband.

The investigation remained ongoing Tuesday afternoon and further charges may be pending, the ADOC said.