A drug trafficking investigation has led to two arrests and 27.5 pounds of “high-grade” marijuana being removed from the streets of Mobile.

According to the Mobile Police Department, a month-long investigation led officers in the MPD’s narcotics and vice unit to 29-year-old Ezlinglm Earl, who arrested along with 26-year-old Shantavia Johnson on Wednesday afternoon.

Ezlinglm Earl, left, and Shantavia Johnson were arrested Jan. 25 in connection to a drug trafficking investigation conducted by the Mobile Police Department. (Mobile County Jail)

After executing a search warrant, police recovered 27.5 pounds of “hydroponic marijuana” that is estimated to have a street value of approximately $175,000. Members of the MPD SWAT team seized $42,106 in cash, an assault rifle, two pistols, two vehicles and drug paraphernalia during the investigation.

Police recovered 27.5 pounds of marijuana, $42,106 in cash, an assault rifle, two pistols, two vehicles and drug paraphernalia during a recent investigation in Mobile.

Earl was charged with trafficking marijuana as well as four additional charges of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Johnson was only charged with trafficking marijuana and a single count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to jail records, the arrest was Johnson’s first in Mobile, though Earl has a number of previous charges for drug and marijuana possession.