Authorities arrested two alleged drug traffickers and seized over $90,000 worth of methamphetamine following a recent DUI stop in Gainesville.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and Gainesville Police Department carried out the operation.
The investigation began on September 13 when Gainesville police stopped a vehicle driven by Erika Laura Nava-Caballero on I-985 North at the Exit 20 off-ramp. During the stop, authorities say they seized approximately 172 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun, and multiple fake IDs.
Police arrested and charged the 40-year-old Gainesville woman with trafficking and possession of meth with intent to distribute. They also charged her with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, DUI, and driving without a license.
The following day, agents executed a search warrant at Nava-Caballero’s residence in the 3000 block of Heatherwood Drive. Authorities say they seized an additional 1,067 grams of methamphetamine and 18 grams of fentanyl from inside the home.
While carrying out the search, agents arrested 19-year-old Sergio Rodriguez-Rodriguez, who also lives at the residence. They charged him with trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possession of both drugs with intent to distribute.
Nava-Caballero faces the same charges in addition to offenses from the previous day.
According to the sheriff’s office, the combined street value of the methamphetamine seized from the house and vehicle is approximately $86,730. Investigators estimate the street value of the seized fentanyl at $3,600.
Nava-Caballero and Rodriguez-Rodriguez each remain in the Hall County Jail without bond.
