GEORGIA — A year-long drug trafficking investigation in Stephens County has resulted in 20 arrests and the seizure of 59 firearms, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The GBI announced Wednesday that six search warrants were executed in Stephens County, marking the conclusion of a 12-month investigation into what officials described as a drug trafficking organization allegedly led by 48-year-old Manathan Colbert of Toccoa.
Authorities said the organization was responsible for distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, pills, and marijuana throughout Stephens, Habersham, and Rabun counties.
Investigators reported seizing approximately 29 pounds of marijuana, 5 ounces of cocaine, 6 grams of crack cocaine, 45 in-box pills, 19 oxycodone pills, and 59 firearms during the searches.
Colbert faces multiple charges, including eight counts under the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act, several counts of drug sales, racketeering, and trafficking cocaine. Nineteen others from Stephens and surrounding counties also face charges ranging from drug possession to racketeering and gang-related offenses.
The GBI, FBI, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Toccoa Police Department, and several other local and state agencies assisted in the operation. Officials said they expect the arrests will have a significant impact on drug and gang activity across northeast Georgia.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about drug or gang activity to contact the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.
