A Texas City man with a previous murder conviction is facing felony drug charges after a Galveston County investigation led to the seizure of fentanyl pills that authorities said were disguised to resemble ecstasy.

Jahml McDonald, 50, was arrested on Aug. 18 at his Texas City residence after a two-month investigation by the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office SWAT team executed the tactical entry into the home. McDonald faces two felony controlled-substance offenses, according to the sheriff's office.

During the raid, authorities seized approximately one kilogram of brightly colored fentanyl pills, which investigators said were designed to look like ecstasy or MDMA. The Sheriff's Office noted that the pills' bright colors were intended to mimic recreational party drugs. Authorities also confiscated THC wax, marijuana, THC vapes, promethazine, and dozens of bottles of liquor from the residence.

Surveillance by the task force reportedly observed individuals, who appeared to be teenagers, purchasing narcotics from the home. The residence is located near Giles Middle School, the College of the Mainland, and two elementary schools.

Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli described the operation as a "full-service drug operation" that even accepted credit card payments, calling it a "convenience store for poison that was taken down."

According to Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick, McDonald has a criminal history that includes a murder conviction for which he served 25 years. At the time of his arrest in the current drug case, McDonald was reportedly out on bond for a pending marijuana charge.

Cusick stated his office would seek the maximum prosecution available, calling McDonald's alleged actions "outrageous" given his criminal past and the proximity of the drug operation to schools and a community college.

Residents near the Appomattox Drive home reported observing significant vehicle and foot traffic around the property, with teenagers frequently coming and going. One neighbor expressed concern that the drug activity could lead to violence.

A judge set McDonald's bond at a combined $2 million, with $1 million assigned to each of the two charges.