The owner and operator of a Clanton car wash has been arrested on drug distribution charges.

Willie Griffin faces four charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, according to Clanton Police Capt. David Clackley. Griffin runs D&D Car Wash at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Alabama 22.

On Thursday, Narcotics Agent David Bone and the city’s warrant service team arrested Griffin at his business.

The arrest follows a lengthy investigation by Clanton narcotics agents, according to Police Chief Brian Stilwell.

Officers had received numerous complaints from residents and nearby business owners about illegal activities at the car wash, Stilwell said.

“A lot more than car washes were being sold here,” Stilwell said. “We have had numerous complaints and even complaints from customers about additional miles being placed on their cars while they were supposed to be washed.”

As of Monday, Griffin was in the Chilton County Jail on bonds totaling $40,000.

On Monday, the Clanton City Council voted to not give the car wash a business license, effectively shutting it down. The business had been operating without a license for the last few weeks, according to city officials.

Anyone who has information on drug activity is encouraged to contact the Clanton Police Department Narcotics Unit by calling the secret witness line at 755-1416 or emailing narcotics@clantonpd.com.

“Our department appreciates the public’s information on cases and will follow up on all public complaints of illegal activity,” Clackley said.