michael salomonsky guns

Capt. Michael Salomonsky discusses the seizure of about 40 guns at residence outside Huntsville. (Paul Gattis/pgattis@al.com)

Daniel Blake Sanders. (Madison County Jail photo)

A year-long investigation yielded a seizure of more than three dozen guns and an array of illegal drugs, the Madison County sheriff's department said Thursday.

Deputies on Wednesday also arrested Daniel Blake Sanders, 25, on drug charges. Capt. Michael Salomonsky said more charges could be pending regarding the seized firearms as the investigation into those guns continues.

The search took place at a residence on the 400 block of St. Clair Lane about 13 miles northeast of downtown Huntsville.

Salomonsky said about 40 guns were confiscated as well as "slides" that he said could convert some of the guns into automatic weapons.

"This is an extremely large cache of guns," Salomonsky said. The guns ranged from small handguns to military-style assault rifles.

"I can remember maybe two cases where we came close to 40 guns. It's a pretty substantial seizure."

Sanders has been charged with possession with intent to distribute crystal meth as well as unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Xanax) and possession of marijuana, Salomonsky said. He also said that Sanders did not have a criminal history prior to his arrest.

The drugs that were seized likely have a street value of about $4,500, Salomonsky said.

Sanders is being held in the Madison County Jail on a $60,000 bond.

The sheriff's department is working in a joint investigation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for possible federal violations of narcotics and firearms laws, Salomonsky said.

The investigation began with complaints to the sheriff's office about drug activity, Salomonsky said, and it took about a year for investigators to develop enough information to obtain a search warrant.