Leeds Police Bust Major Narcotics Ring, Link to Birmingham Shootings

0:00Birmingham's story is making news on March 20th. Leeds police wrapped up a major narcotics probe with help from SWAT teams and other agencies. On March 4th, they raided Joshua Hester's home near 7,700 Sunrise Circle. They arrested him on the spot and seized the stash of Fittinal, marijuana, drug gear, body armor, stolen guns, a ghost gun, and machine gun conversion. Parts. Hester has a long rap sheet. He once shot at a Birmingham police car in an attempted murder. Last year, he faced charges for first degree assault, heroin trafficking, and fleeing cops. He also had an active felony warrant and was linked to another unsolved shooting. Local leaders are praising the bust for protecting the community. Officials say they're committed to rooting out violent offenders and drug dealers who cross into leads. The operation highlights how these crimes spill over city lines, putting everyone at risk. Listics test tied Hester's weapons to shell casings from 2024 shootings and killings

1:01in Birmingham. Now, they're teaming up with federal agents to build more charges against him. Hester sits in Jefferson County, jail, with a bond of $4,115,000. He faces four counts of drug trafficking, two for stolen property, plus weapons and possession violations. This case shows the ongoing push to keep streets safer.