California man arrested in Juneau drug bust

Juneau Police said they seized about $30,000 worth of drugs during a bust Thursday evening near the airport.

William B. Neal, Jr., 45, of California was arrested at the Extended Stay Deluxe hotel. A female companion who was in Neal’s room was detained, but then released without being charged.

Officers said they received a tip that Neal was selling methamphetamine. A search warrant was served on his room and members of SWAT or Special Weapons And Tactics team twice used a diversionary device commonly called a ‘flash-bang’ that creates a boom and flash of light.

Officers said they found 93 grams of methamphetamine and 116 morphine pills in Neal’s room.

Neal was charged with three separate felony counts of misconduct involving drugs for possession of morphine and methamphetamine, and maintaining a residence for the purpose of selling drugs.

Juneau Police said the use of SWAT was justified because of Neal’s prior history of robberies and assault with a firearm.

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