Authorities seize nearly $3M in meth and cocaine from drug cartel Sheriff says “set up shop” in Banks County
Two suspects face multiple drug trafficking charges in Banks County in connection with the biggest drug seizure in that county’s history.
The Special Operations Unit of the Banks County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20-year-old Juan Carlos Melchor-Valencia and 23-year-old Fernando Garcia Mendez, both of Santa Ana, California. They were taken into custody following a month-long investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“…the Cartel essentially set up shop in Banks County.” – Sheriff Carlton Speed
As a result of that investigation, authorities seized 52.2 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of over $2.6 million and 6.9 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $392 thousand. Officers also seized over $22,000 in cash and ten firearms.
“We are accustomed to large quantities of drugs passing through our jurisdiction by way of the interstate,” says Sheriff Speed, “However, this is a unique case because the Cartel essentially set up shop in Banks County.”
Sheriff Speed praises the hard work of deputies by saying, “I am very proud of our deputies’ tenacious and exhausting investigation. Without their thoroughness and attention to detail, these drugs would have already hit the streets of Banks County and North Georgia. ”
Valencia is charged with trafficking cocaine; trafficking methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. Mendez is charged with trafficking cocaine; trafficking methamphetamine; possession of firearm during commission of a felony; theft by receiving stolen property; obstruction of law enforcement officer; possession of marijuana; and driving without a valid license.
Investigators contacted federal ICE agents and a detainer has been placed on Mendez. The Sheriff’s Office requested DEA-HIDTA for additional assistance in this on-going investigation.
Since taking office, Sheriff Carlton Speed has established the Special Operations Unit within the Criminal Investigation Division. The unit consists of Banks County Sheriff’s Office investigators. Certain assigned investigators serve Banks County specifically. There are also deputies detached in the unit who serve not only Banks County but also within DEA-HIDTA and the GBI Appalachian Drug Task Force.
“We participate in both of these task forces because we must do our part in the fight against these dealers killing our communities throughout our nation,” says Speed. “My message to all sheriffs and police chiefs is to not be dissuaded by the naysayers but continue the fight against drugs as it all connects to true local issues.”
