Three jailed as area law enforcement dismantles meth trafficking ring

Drugs agents say were seized during searches Feb. 12 in Jackson County. (ARDEO)

Law enforcement arrested and jailed three people in Jackson and Banks counties this week following a five-month-long drug investigation.

On February 12, officers executed search warrants at three locations in Nicholson and Gillsville and arrested the suspects.

Johnny Strickland, 58, was arrested at 24 Jarrett Road in Nicholson. Officers charged him with possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of Schedule 1 or 2 prescription pills with intent to distribute, and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.

Linda Cowart, 55, was arrested at 336 J S Williamson Court in Nicholson. Officers charged her with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Both Strickland and Cowart were taken to the Jackson County Jail.

In Gillsville, law enforcement arrested Pamela Venable, 52, during a search at 400 McClure Road. She’s charged with theft by receiving stolen property. According to the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Venable took in stolen firearms.

Officers booked her into the Banks County Jail.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Banks County Sheriff’s Office assisted ARDEO with the investigation. Agents say the probe is active and ongoing.