Man from Arab charged with fentanyl trafficking in Cullman County

Shelton Ramey faces life sentence if convicted under Alabama law

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Shelton Ramey, a 50-year-old man from Arab, Alabama, has been charged with trafficking fentanyl in Cullman County. Ramey was arrested on February 9th when deputies were attempting to locate a wanted subject and found Ramey with a small bottle containing approximately 17 grams of fentanyl in his pocket. He is now facing a mandatory life sentence if convicted under Alabama law.

Why it matters

Fentanyl is an extremely potent and dangerous opioid that has contributed to a rise in overdose deaths across the country. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Cullman County to combat the trafficking and use of fentanyl, which poses a serious threat to public safety.

The details

According to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office, deputies were attempting to locate a wanted subject in the area of County Road 1605 when they encountered Shelton Ramey. During Ramey's arrest, deputies found a small bottle in his pocket containing a substance that tested positive for fentanyl, weighing approximately 17 grams. Ramey was then transported to the Cullman County Detention Center and charged with trafficking illegal drugs, in addition to an outstanding warrant for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

  • On February 9, 2026, Shelton Ramey was arrested by Cullman County deputies.

The players

Shelton Ramey

A 50-year-old man from Arab, Alabama who was arrested and charged with trafficking fentanyl in Cullman County.

Cullman County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Shelton Ramey and charged him with fentanyl trafficking.

Champ Crocker

The Cullman County District Attorney who advised that a trafficking charge involving 17 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory life sentence in prison under Alabama law.

Matt Gentry

The Cullman County Sheriff who praised his deputies' proactive efforts in making drug arrests, including this case involving the dangerous substance fentanyl.

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What they’re saying

“I am proud of our deputies and their proactive efforts. They are making record drug arrests, and many of these cases involve the most dangerous substances we face today, including fentanyl, like in this case. Their work is about protecting the people of Cullman County from drugs that can take lives in an instant.”

— Matt Gentry, Cullman County Sheriff (cullmantribune.com)

“A trafficking charge involving that amount of fentanyl carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison under Alabama law, if the person is convicted.”

— Champ Crocker, Cullman County District Attorney (cullmantribune.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Shelton Ramey to be released on bail while awaiting trial.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis, particularly the threat posed by fentanyl, and the strict penalties in place in Alabama for those caught trafficking large quantities of this deadly drug.