By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
DOTHAN— Two men are in custody following a narcotics investigation in which authorities say a package containing approximately 10 pounds of marijuana was shipped through the mail to a Dothan address.
According to the Dothan Police Department, officers were notified on April 9, 2026, that a suspicious package believed to contain illegal drugs was scheduled for delivery in the city. Narcotics investigators were immediately called in to monitor the situation.
Investigators determined the intended recipients were Gerald Rattery, 40 years old, of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Brian Fields, 39 years old, of Chico, California. Both men were allegedly set to receive the package containing marijuana.
Officials say the package was successfully delivered and later confirmed to contain approximately 10 pounds of marijuana. After the delivery, Rattery and Fields left the location in a vehicle.
Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and discovered the package in the trunk, according to police.
“The investigation resulted in the interception and recovery of a significant quantity of illegal narcotics,” said Dothan Police Chief William E. Benny.
The average street value of illegal marijuana ranges between $1,500-$3,000 per pound, with prices higher in states that do not have legal cannabis options. The value of the illicit marijuana seized during today’s arrest is between $15,000-$30,000 according to some estimates.
Rattery was charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic marijuana. Fields was charged with one count of trafficking marijuana. Both men are being held on bonds set at $1.5 million.
Authorities did not release additional information regarding whether further arrests are expected.
It is the general policy of the Dale County Chronicle to include the following statement on all news reports involving arrests and/or allegations of criminal behavior: In our criminal justice system, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Gerald Anthony Rattery (Dothan Police Department)
Brian Fields (Dothan Police Department)
