Metro area men caught in Gainesville drug sting

GAINESVILLE - Two suspected drug dealers who thought they were making a trip to Gainesville for a big marijuana buy found themselves caught in an undercover sting.

Lt. Scott Ware with the Hall County Multi Agency Narcotics Squad said the two negotiated with undercover agents to buy 20 pounds of marijuana for $12,000.

Ware identified one suspect as Heriberto Garcia, 22, of Conley.

"Heriberto Garcia attempted to run away on foot and was quickly apprehended," Ware said. "He had over $4,000 on his person."

Authorities also found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in Garcia's vehicle, along with a small amount of marijuana.

The other suspect, 30-year-old Adrian Rodriquez of Jonesboro, is accused of making the phone calls to negotiate the drug deal. Rodriquez ia also suspected of residing illegally in the United States.