Two Commerce men face drug charges after being arrested in separate incidents in Banks County.
30-year old Brendan Gates was arrested September 10 after agents executed a search warrant at his residence at 185 Faulkner Drive. His arrest follows a month-long undercover investigation. Authorities say they began investigating after receiving a tip about suspected drug sales from the apartment.
According to a press release from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), officers seized approximately $2,000 worth of narcotics from Gates’ home.
He was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, methamphetamine, Schedule II and IV narcotics.
Gates’ arrest came just one day after another arrest in the same area.
On September 9, ARDEO agents and Banks County Sheriff’s Officers arrested 49-year old Kendrick Smith outside a residence located at 133 Faulkner Drive in Commerce.
ARDEO Special Agent in Charge Mitchell Posey says Banks County Deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for driving erratically. The vehicle stopped in front of the residence and Smith came outside. Posey says deputies smelled marijuana on Smith and then located approximately $400 worth of marijuana, scales and an “unknown crystal substance.” The unknown substance was transported to the GBI Crime Lab for testing.
Smith was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and transported to the Banks County Detention Center.
The investigation into both drug cases continues.
