Two more arrests have been made in the continuing crackdown on illegal drugs in Northeast Georgia.
33-year old Stephen Dwayne Copeland of Homer was arrested Thursday after tips from the community led the Banks County Sheriff’s Office and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) to execute a search warrant at 431 Payne Road in Homer.
Agents seized a quantity of cocaine, marijuana, and alprazolam (schedule IV Narcotic), according to ARDEO.
Copeland is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule IV Narcotic with intent to distribute, and possession of cocaine.
The investigation continues.
A day earlier, a Clayton woman was arrested following a search of her residence on Old Chechero Road. 52-year old Vonda Sue Hughs was taken into custody during a joint operation by the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton Police Department, and ARDEO.
Officials say the arrest follows a two week investigation by Rabun County authorities that was prompted by numerous complaints of Hughs selling illegal narcotics.
Rabun County authorities found approximately 8 ounces of marijuana and $4,000 derived from the sale of illegal narcotics, according to a press release from ARDEO. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $2,400.
Hughs is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug related objects. She was transported to the Rabun County Detention Center.
ARDEO encourages citizens to report any suspicious drug activity at 706-348-7410 or contact your local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department. Information can be provided anonymously via IM or at (706) 348-7410.
You can follow Follow the ARDEO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety,, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
