GEORGIA — A months long investigation into a North Georgia drug trafficking network has resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators said the multi agency investigation, called Operation Silent Hand, targeted a drug trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl and pharmaceutical opioids across Hall, Habersham, Franklin, Stephens, White and Gwinnett counties.
Authorities said the organization maintained contacts in metro Atlanta that helped traffic illicit drugs and diverted pharmaceutical opioids throughout North Georgia.
On Wednesday, law enforcement officers executed nine search warrants and 16 arrest warrants across the region as part of the investigation.
Officials reported seizing more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine, four pounds of fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids and multiple firearms. Investigators said some of the prescription opioids had been diverted from pain clinics in metro Atlanta before being distributed in communities across North Georgia.
Ken Howard, Special Agent in Charge with the GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, said investigators ultimately determined the case should be prosecuted as a racketeering investigation.
Authorities said one suspect was allegedly distributing drugs from a home in Gwinnett County, though investigators said they are unable to release the address. At another residence in Lula in north Hall County, investigators said they seized a large quantity of prescription opioids, about one pound of methamphetamine and several firearms.
So far, 20 people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Sixteen of the suspects are charged with violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Those charged include William Doug Allen, 54, of Lula; Tonya Doster Pitts, 51, of Lula; Chad O’Neal Davis, 54, of Demorest; Bart William Starks, 58, of Canon; Randall Stewart Hill, 57, of Canon; Leslie Nicole Brown Cedillo, 39, of Cleveland; Yvonn Parker Brown, 64, of Toccoa; Amy Michelle Williams, 51, of Toccoa; Breann Denae Coalley, 54, of Mt. Airy; Haven Douglas Allen, 31, of Alto; Arthur Lee Poore, 63, of Gainesville; Rodney Wayne Crump, 59, of Alto; Kandi Nicole Stewart, 48, of Demorest; Mona Lisa Summers, 62, of Mt. Airy; Sarita King Davidson, 60, of Cornelia; and Linda Waddell Thompson, 62, of Demorest.
Officials said the investigation remains active and additional arrests and drug seizures are expected. Authorities are asking anyone with information about drug activity to contact investigators or submit an anonymous tip to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
