MOBILE, AL – A dramatic drug bust over the weekend in Mobile County led to the discovery of two kilograms of cocaine concealed in a backpack worn by a 3-year-old child, according to local law enforcement.

During the execution of a search warrant, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators unearthed an additional kilogram of the drug and two handguns stashed in a backpack at a Harvey Court residence. Officials emphasize the critical nature of these findings as four unsupervised minors were present at the scene.

Sheriff Paul Burch expressed outrage over the situation, emphasizing the complete neglect of both the law and the children’s welfare. The discovery occurred after authorities, acting on information from a reliable, confidential informant, observed Tierra Tocorra Hill, the mother in question, departing from a location suspected of harboring substantial narcotics quantities.

Subsequent to Hill’s departure, law enforcement officials conducted a traffic stop on her vehicle. The search of Hill’s vehicle revealed approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, a small quantity of marijuana, and a firearm, laying the foundation for the subsequent search of the Harvey Court property.

The children found at the residence, ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old, had access to both narcotics and weapons, posing a grave risk to their safety.

In an interview, Sheriff Burch highlighted the potential dangers these children faced, including accidental ingestion of drugs or misuse of firearms. He reflected on the chilling reality of the risks they were exposed to due to this incident.

The estimated street value of the cocaine seized is around $450,000, which marks a significant intercept by law enforcement. Hill faces charges of cocaine trafficking, second-degree possession of marijuana, evidence tampering, and four counts of chemical endangerment of a child, with the possibility of additional charges being filed.

Sheriff Burch condemned the mother’s actions, suggesting that the severity of the situation warrants a stringent judicial response. Hill awaits a judge’s decision on bond, but the sheriff advocated for her to remain detained until trial, highlighting her actions led to severe endangerment of her children.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, signaling a wider effort to safeguard the community from such hazardous environments and to protect its most vulnerable members – the children.