Agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Task Force and federal investigators from the Department of Homeland Security seized more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine during two residence searches on Oct. 9 according to senior representatives from the agencies. The searches were executed as part of an investigation into the relationship between gangs in Cherokee and Cobb counties and Mexican drug cartels. The investigation was launched early in 2020, and officials say that it is ongoing.
Homes used to store and distribute drugs
During the course of the investigation, agents focused their attentions on residences that they believed were being used to store and distribute illegal drugs that had been smuggled into the United States from Mexico. The search of a home in Marietta is said to have led to the discovery of about 100 kilograms of a substance believed to be methamphetamine and a loaded semiautomatic rifle. A further 3 kilograms of a substance believed to be methamphetamine was allegedly found in a Cherokee County home.
Suspects taken into custody
Five suspects are being held in connection with the seized drugs. They have all been charged with trafficking methamphetamine. A 37-year-old Atlanta woman is being held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. The other suspects, a 24-year-old Nashville man, a 23-year-old Atlanta man, a 20-year-old Atlanta man and a 19-year-old Atlanta man, are all being held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. The GBI and DHS were assisted during the investigation by the Cobb County and Woodstock Police Departments, the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Drug sweeps
Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies usually cast wide nets when they conduct drug sweeps, but they do not always gather enough evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt against all of the suspects they take into custody. This is why criminal defense attorneys with experience in cases involving serious drug charges could advise individuals arrested in such operations to remain silent until a lawyer has had a chance to study law enforcement reports. If the evidence is strong, attorneys may suggest pursuing a plea agreement. If it is not, attorneys could mount a defense in court or seek to have charges dismissed.
