Authorities seized more than a quarter-million dollars in drugs and cash and arrested two Gainesville men during recent drug raids in Northeast Georgia. The joint operation involved federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
On May 25, officials executed search warrants on four properties in Hall and Jackson counties. During the searches, they seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, 130 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 18 pounds of marijuana. They also seized $205,000 in cash, two vehicles, and two firearms, says Trent Hillsman, Special Agent in Charge of the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO). One of the recovered firearms was stolen.
“The approximate street value of the illegal drugs seized in this investigation was $91,850,” Hillsman says.
Agents served search warrants at 4605 Blue Iris Way, Oakwood; 178 Gold Creek Drive, Jefferson; 939 West Ridge Road, Gainesville; and 714 Orchard Brook Drive, Gainesville. Sheriff’s deputies from Hall, Jackson, and Banks counties assisted ARDEO, the Georgia State Patrol, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in executing the warrants.
Authorities arrested 42-year-old Dexter Cobb and 31-year-old Chester Willis II. Both suspects were wanted on federal warrants. They’re now charged with drug possession, distribution, and conspiracy.
Cobb and Willis’ arrests came just days after ARDEO and its partnering agencies arrested two other Gainesville men for drug trafficking in an unrelated case.
