A massive drug bust that pulled more than 30 pounds of narcotics off CSRA streets, including enough fentanyl to kill more than half a million adults, has led to five arrests following a coordinated three-month investigation involving agencies in Georgia and South Carolina.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in September and involved the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, the DEA Augusta Post of Duty, the McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. Investigators focused on an alleged drug trafficking organization tied to Tyrone Tolbert Jr, Reizhjon Coleman, Jhrquer Teagal, Nekiyah Booker and Derwood Stubbs Jr.
During the course of the operation, four search warrants were obtained. On Wednesday, law enforcement executed warrants at homes on Lake Course Drive and Sydney Street as well as an apartment at Williamsburg Drive in Augusta. A related warrant was carried out by Aiken County deputies at a residence on Dunbar Court in Graniteville.
Authorities reported seizing 8,372.9 grams of methamphetamine, which is roughly 18.46 pounds, along with 1,233.9 grams of powder fentanyl, equal to about 2.72 pounds. They also recovered 4,911.3 grams of marijuana, or approximately 10.83 pounds, and 129 grams of cocaine, which is a little more than a quarter of a pound.
In addition, investigators seized 1,035 alprazolam pills, 64 oxycodone pills, 200 fentanyl pills, three firearms and $123,627 in cash. Officials noted that the fentanyl alone represents nearly 600,000 potentially lethal doses, enough to kill more than half a million adults.
Authorities said all five suspects face a range of trafficking and distribution charges. Tolbert is charged with trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, along with possession of alprazolam and marijuana with intent to distribute. Coleman faces trafficking charges related to methamphetamine and two firearm offenses. Teagal and Booker each face multiple trafficking charges involving methamphetamine and fentanyl, in addition to possession of marijuana and oxycodone with intent to distribute and a firearm charge. Stubbs is charged with trafficking fentanyl and possession of a Schedule IV drug with intent to distribute.
Richmond County Sheriff Gino Brantley said the results of the investigation highlight the impact of cooperation between agencies at every level. He thanked the men and women who worked long hours throughout the operation and said their efforts play a major role in reducing drug activity and associated violence in the region. Brantley added that removing the seized fentanyl from area streets “quite literally saves lives.”
