A new area alert system was utilized by Oak Ridge Authorities in a recent drug investigation. Friday morning, members of the 7th Judicial Crime Task Force and the Oak Ridge Police Department and SWAT served a search warrant at 306 Vermont Avenue in Oak Ridge as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity. The Task Force is currently processing the house and conducting interviews. Charges are pending. No further details regarding the investigation will be released by ORPD at this time. In the interest of public information and safety, Oak Ridge Police sent Nixle alerts while the operation was underway. The first alert, sent around 6:30 AM, asked nearby residents to stay indoors. Approximately 15 minutes later, when officers had the area secured and the road reopened, another alert was sent to update citizens. Residents of Oak Ridge and surrounding areas are encouraged to sign up for Nixle alerts. They can do so by texting “37830” to 888-777.