A collaborative effort between the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) Drug Task Force led to a significant drug bust on Celtic Drive in Eastanollee on Thursday, March 6, according to authorities.
The investigation, sparked by a tip from a concerned citizen, focused on 65-year-old Gary Marvin English, of Eastanollee, who police say was suspected of selling illegal narcotics.
At 9:55 a.m. Thursday, law enforcement officials from the Crime Suppression Unit, ARDEO Drug Task Force, Toccoa Police Department detectives and state probation officers executed a search warrant at English’s residence.
Upon making contact with English, investigators allegedly discovered a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine in his pocket, prompting a more extensive search of the property.
During the search, authorities allegedly seized around 240 grams of suspected methamphetamine, $4,572 in cash, 21 firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition.
English was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, trafficking methamphetamine, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and five counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A 65-year-old female, identified as Sandra Ostiguy of Toccoa, was also arrested during the operation. She faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, trafficking methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Both suspects were transported to the Stephens County Jail following their arrests.
