Authorities says tips from the community and proactive work by deputies helped break up an alleged drug operation in Lula.
Mitchell Posey with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office says agents from ARDEO and the Banks County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence of Johnny McCoy in Lula on Friday. In an emailed press release, Posey says the search warrant was based on information developed by Banks County Deputies after receiving numerous citizens’ complaints of illegal activity occurring at McCoy’s residence.
“Banks County Deputies conducted traffic stops on numerous cars leaving McCoy’s residence and located illegal narcotics in those vehicles,” Posey says. The traffic stops and the search warrant resulted in the seizure of 10 grams of methamphetamine, clonazepate, oxycodone, Xanax and marijuana. The total street value of the illegal narcotics was approximately $1,200.
The following people were arrested and transported to the Banks County Detention Center:
- Johnny McCoy, 59, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
- Billy Lee Smith, 44, of Lula, GA was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, a schedule II narcotic (oxycodone) and marijuana less than 1 ounce.
- James Head, 49, of Gainesville, GA was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine.
- Martin Christopher Hart, 41, of Watkinsville, GA was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and a scheduled II narcotic (Xanax).
- Tiffany Michelle Suthers,35,of Gainesville, GA was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and a scheduled IV narcotic (clonazepate).
Posey says the investigation continues.
