Federal and State Law Enforcement Work Together to Bust Meth Trafficking in North Georgia

The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, FBI's North Georgia Major Offender Task Force, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Commerce Police Department, the Georgia Department of Corrections and the sheriff's offices of:

• Banks County,
• Barrow County,
• Hall County,
• And Jackson County…

All teamed together in a large drug sting where officers arrested 14 different people, seized nine pounds of methamphetamine, an ounce of marijuana, multiple stolen vehicles, numerous firearms, and $13,000 in cash.

According to reports, the bust only got a few of the people involved in a much larger drug scheme. Both federal and state law enforcement in Georgia are attempting to crack down on a meth trafficking ring in North Georgia that is allegedly responsible for circulating $3.5 million worth of narcotics in the past six months.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will focus on one of the charges faced by the individuals arrested in the sting.

Trafficking Methamphetamine in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines trafficking methamphetamine in Georgia as:

When a person sells, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is in possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine or amphetamine. O.C.G.A. §16-13-31.

A conviction for trafficking methamphetamine in Georgia has serious consequences. The penalty is based on the amount of methamphetamine that is seized. The delineations are as follows:

• 28 to 200 grams of methamphetamine - ten years in prison and a $200,000 fine
• 200 to 400 grams of methamphetamine - fifteen years in prison and a $350,000 fine
• 400 grams of methamphetamine or more - twenty-five years in prison and a $1 million fine

A trafficking conviction is classified as a felony conviction.. And as I've mentioned in all situations involving felonies - felony punishments in Georgia should never be taken lightly. The consequences of a felony conviction are life-altering.

Practice Note

Drug Offenses in Georgia are very serious criminal offenses. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug crime, contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney today. We can help you with your case.

There are Georgia Criminal Defenses that may apply to your case that could either result in the dismissal of your charge or a mitigation of your consequences. Contact us today.