$3 million in meth seized, two alleged traffickers behind bars

Approximately 67 pounds of crystal and liquid meth were seized from a house north of Gainesville on August 13. The estimated street value of the drugs is $3 million. (photo by Hall County Sheriff's Office)

Agents with the Hall County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad and Department of Homeland Security seized nearly $3 million worth of methamphetamine Thursday during a drug bust in Hall County. They also arrested two suspects at the house where they found the drugs in the 3700 block of James Ed Road off of U.S. 129/Cleveland Highway.

Juan Hernandez-Pacheco, 20, and Israel Bustis-Padilla, 31, both of Michoacan, Mexico, were arrested without incident at the residence. They had approximately 67 pounds of crystal and liquid meth in their possession at the time, according to Hall County Sheriff’s spokesperson Derreck Booth.

Additionally, packaging materials, chemicals, and a ledger were located and seized from the house.

Hernandez-Pacheco and Bustis-Padilla were booked into the Hall County Jail. They’re each charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and manufacturing methamphetamine. Both men also have immigration holds through the Department of Homeland Security.

The drug bust was the culmination of a joint MANS/DHS investigation. No further arrests expected, according to Booth, and no additional details are available.